Pubdate: Wed, 23 Feb 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: Tami Henderson

DRUG PROBLEM OUR PROBLEM

Editor:

Re: Gord Kurenoff's column last Wednesday, Let's open ears, minds:

I am disgusted by some of the comments made by Kamloops residents
regarding safe injection sites.

I understand residents have their concerns, however, they need to
realize something - this problem is not going to go away on its own.

I strongly believe that any step is a step in the right direction. How
do we know this won't help the problem without trying it first?

I keep reading ignorant comments made referring to "these people." Who
exactly are "these people?"

The last time I checked, they were still just like you and I, but with
a few more problems.

Does that mean that they are worth any less? No, it
doesn't.

It is small-minded people like you that contribute to this problem and
make it harder for people with no support system to look for help.

You have no idea how "these people" got to where they are today and no
one has any right to pass judgment upon them.

I think people are very naive when they think that throwing "these
people" in jail is going to solve the problem. There are probably more
drugs inside prison than outside.

Does anyone really think they are going to put an injection site
beside their child's school or in a residential area? Come on, now.
Stop being so ignorant and open your eyes to the world around you.

Tami Henderson

Kamloops
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MAP posted-by: Larry Seguin