Pubdate: Wed, 09 Mar 2005 Source: Kamloops This Week (CN BC) Copyright: 2005 Kamloops This Week Contact: http://www.kamloopsthisweek.com/ Details: http://www.mapinc.org/media/1271 Author: Jim Cullen MP HINTON OVER-REACTS Editor: As usual, our representative to Ottawa - MP Betty Hinton - is misinformed and illogical in her assessment of stiffer penalties for drug users (MP calls for stiffer drug penalties, KTW, March 6). We should be focusing our enforcement efforts on the suppliers and grow-op operators, not on the people that struggle with substance abuse problems. Look south of the border where stiffer penalties related to drug use have resulted in a failed war on drugs. The United States spends billions of dollars prosecuting minor drug offences, when that money would be better spent invested in treatment. I would suggest MP Hinton do her homework and not use this recent tragedy in Alberta to sway pubic opinion. Her suggestions would waste taxpayers' money, clog courts and further endanger lives. There is plenty of research that indicates why decriminalization would be a smart decision for our country. I suggest she should consult with experts in the field next time before simply reacting to a crisis or tragedy. Dr. Jim Cullen Kamloops