Pubdate: Sat, 10 Jan 1998
Date: 10/01/1998
Source: Vancouver Province (Canada)
Author: Margaret A. Elliott
Note: These letters refer to 'Mandy's Story'
Related: http://www.mapinc.org/drugnews/v98.n844.a06.htm

I am disappointed by this story and headline -- as if the others who
die on the east side are not nice.

Death from drugs is more likely a reflection of the pain and
hoplessness in an individual's life than a measure of socio-economic
position.

Even if drugs are sought for the thrills, rather than for the escape,
much more is being said about society and the choices offered than
about any individual's family.

To see this headline screaming out from newspaper boxes can do nothing
but hurt those already feeling let down by society. To judge those
addicted to drugs as worthy or unworthy of death is unethical, immoral
and unjust.

My disappointment is that educated and powerful editors have chosen
not to enlighten and encourage society to build itself up, but to
promote the destructive ignorance and prejudice hidden behind such
judgmental untruths.

Margaret A. Elliott, VANCOUVER