Pubdate: Mon, 07 Jul 2003
Source: Herald, The (WA)
Copyright: 2003 The Daily Herald Co.
Contact:  http://www.heraldnet.com/
Details: http://www.mapinc.org/media/190
Author: Alisa Neely

PEOPLE DESERVE CHANCE AT NEW LIFE

After reading the July 2 article on the methadone clinic to be put in South
Everett, I was shocked. So many people view this clinic as if it were a
house for addicts to come buy drugs, instead of trying to clean up. It is
true that not all of those who check in will check out clean, but it doesn't
mean we have the right to discourage them from trying.

I know several people who haven't used in years thanks to these clinics. All
they want to do is move on and live normal lives. They don't want to be
judged or looked down upon because they made a mistake. We should welcome
this as an opportunity to embrace the new beginning of someone's life and
help them move on. If not, what are we saying as a society? That the life of
someone in need is not worth trying to save?

ALISA NEELY,

Mill Creek
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