Pubdate: Fri, 05 Nov 2004 Source: Calgary Sun, The (CN AB) Copyright: 2004 The Calgary Sun Contact: http://www.fyicalgary.com/calsun.shtml Details: http://www.mapinc.org/media/67 Author: Steve Bottrell Note: Letter Of The Day Note: Parenthetical remark by the Sun editor, headline by newshawk. Referenced: http://www.mapinc.org/drugnews/v04.n1531.a03.html PRISON NEEDLE EXCHANGE IS A GOOD IDEA Face the facts. Drugs in prisons are not going to go away. ("Needle nonsense," Oct. 29.) Ignoring it by saying, "it's not legal so let's not facilitate the addicted inmates" is basically a death sentence for the inmates and perhaps even you. I'm sure there is a disease or two an infected prisoner can spread to the public once he/she is out. So, rather than sticking our heads in the sand about this, let's deal with it properly. Until we can say there are no drugs in our prisons (I'm not holding my breath on that one), trying to stop the spread of disease with a needle exchange is a good idea, though it would be hard to administer. And as far as TV in prison goes, if it keeps their minds off other things, like escape, or getting involved in gangs, it's a good thing. Steve Bottrell (We wouldn't want them to have to think about why they're in there.) - --- MAP posted-by: Larry Seguin