Pubdate: Tue, 29 May 2001
Source: Abbotsford News (CN BC)
Copyright: 2001 Hacker Press Ltd
Contact:  http://www.abbynews.com/
Details: http://www.mapinc.org/media/1155
Author: Gertie Pool

LETTER OF THE DAY

Editor, The News:

Re: The letter to the editor from Chris Buors (Restore our natural right to 
use drugs, Opinion, May 26).

I have never read a more ludicrous idea - suggesting the right to have 
heroin and hard drugs legalized.

Buors, did you ever stop to watch the devastating effects the use of heroin 
has on victims and their families?

How dare you suggest the state support a lifestyle that creates so much 
anguish and suffering.

Your disagreement of society labeling drug addiction as "the destroyer of 
will" theory is troubling indeed.

It takes a small mind to discern the horrible consequences drug addicts are 
forced to cope with. Buors states drug addiction is not a disease but a 
moral judgment.

How true!

That is where the rubber meets the road!

My biggest concern lies with the many young folks that are lured into this 
lifestyle before they've been able to truly identify the deep sense of 
purpose and meaning of life itself.

Buors states that the state has no duty to save people from themselves. 
But, on the other hand, sir, the state has no duty, or mandate of any kind, 
to supply tools that can and will lead to moral ruin and devastation of its 
citizens.

It is the duty of us all to help young people to discern between good and 
bad choices in life and the consequences, the joy or devastation thereof.

Come on, Buors, get with it!

Life has far better things to offer than running around in dazed stupor.

I firmly believe the state and society have a solemn duty to help protect, 
build and encourage safe and constructive, honourable and worthwhile 
lifestyles.

Joyful lives that demonstrate high moral standards that reflect a positive 
and constructive life value system that benefit, not destroy, other human 
beings as well.

It is the duty of the state to help citizens to achieve that goal.

Legalizing heroin and providing free needle exchanges are Band-Aid 
solutions that do not face the root of the problem.

It is wrong for government or anyone else to foster unhealthy lifestyles 
that so many are tricked into these days.

I firmly believe drug treatment centres are a must! It is a proven fact 
that 80 per cent of treated drug addicts do become healthy and productive 
citizens who live happy lives.

Buors' suggestion that citizens have a right to free heroin is wrong.

I believe all citizens do have the right to be given the opportunity to 
redeem themselves in controlled medical and rehab centres.

I truly hope Abbotsford city council will have the courage to stand up for 
what is best for its citizens in the long run.

A free needle exchange, undoubtedly, is the cheaper way out.

But surely, any person's life is worth giving a second and better chance.

Gertie Pool
Abbotsford
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