Pubdate: Mon, 15 Oct 2007
Source: Victoria Times-Colonist (CN BC)
Copyright: 2007 Times Colonist
Contact:  http://www.canada.com/victoriatimescolonist/
Details: http://www.mapinc.org/media/481
Author: Cameron Wigmore

DRUG POLICY WAY OFF BASE

As in the U.S., where the war on drugs has been ongoing for decades, 
this Canadian effort will likely create a few jobs in the areas of 
law enforcement.

We will, over the long term, likely need to build more jails (as they 
have needed to do in the States) in order to house non-violent 
offenders, and our recently announced federal surplus will probably 
help to pay for this ongoing cost.

Never mind that incarceration will cost more than rehabilitation; 
Stephen Harper clearly believes the jobs created are more important 
than the negative costs to our society. These fellow Canadians -- 
these neighbours, co-workers, family and friends of ours -- they're 
only addicts, right? Harper says we should lock 'em up!

I am a recovered addict, clean and sober for seven years. I've just 
brought my family to Nanaimo, and soon we'll be purchasing a house.

After using drugs for nearly a decade, I managed to make it out of 
active addiction, disease-free and with no criminal record, largely 
due to the community support and addiction-recovery services that 
were available to me prior to getting clean.

I'm not shy about this fact; I'm proud of the man I am, and I'm 
grateful to be living in this country with a history of giving and 
sharing that shows we take care of our own.

Harper is trying to take these opportunities away from other Canadians.

Cameron Wigmore,

Nanaimo.
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MAP posted-by: Beth Wehrman