Pubdate: Tue, 10 Oct 2006
Source: Victoria Times-Colonist (CN BC)
Copyright: 2006 Times Colonist
Contact:  http://www.canada.com/victoriatimescolonist/
Details: http://www.mapinc.org/media/481
Author: Gordon Payne

SUFFERING FROM SELF-INFLICTED ILLNESS

Re: "Driver shoots up, dies," Oct. 8.

Will someone please help me to get my head around the incident in 
which David Smelts died?

In his 20s, Smelts knowingly and deliberately flouted the criminal 
laws of Canada, laws under which the possession and recreational use 
of cocaine is prohibited. Predictably becoming addicted, he continued 
flouting our criminal laws until his death at the age of 45 years.

On Friday, while seriously jeopardizing public safety by driving a 
vehicle in the wrong direction on the Trans-Canada Highway, he 
crashed into a concrete barrier. Still seated in his damaged vehicle, 
he injected himself with cocaine, then threatened police officers who 
had come to his assistance.

Smelts' grieving relatives reportedly attribute his death to failure 
of tax-supported social agencies to provide a residential treatment 
program for him.

Where does or should the buck stop when assigning responsibility for 
the well-being of individuals who suffer from self-inflicted illness?

Gordon Payne,

Comox.
- ---
MAP posted-by: Beth Wehrman