EDITORIAL'S VIEW ON CRIME AND ADDICTION WAS DELUSIONAL

Re: Flying in the face of facts, governments cling to futile drug
strategies, Jan. 23

Drug use and addiction are a lifestyle choice. People choose their
behaviours and there are consequences to these decisions. If there
are any individuals in British Columbia who are unaware of the
dangers of drug usage I would be astonished.

The focus of your editorial was the cost of enforcement versus a
delusional view that addicts will voluntarily seek treatment.
Enforcement has been severely compromised by "bleeding heart judges."

The real costs of these transgressions: Stolen and damaged
automobiles and a litany of property crimes.

This week at 7:45 a.m. my neighbour was stabbed with a screwdriver by
someone trying to steal his pressure washer from a locked shed. Does
the stabbed victim get any empathy or air time? The thief fled after
being confronted, (undoubtedly on his way to find a medical solution
for his addiction.) Why are the apologists insisting we the lawful
citizens put up with this?

Imagine if several hundred hard-core thieves were incarcerated;
wouldn't that put a dent in the crime statistics and reduce the
workload of the police?

Let's ensure our neighbourhoods are safe by standing for the
principle of fairness to all.

Bruce McDonald

Surrey