TOUGH STANCE NEEDED ON DRUGS

When can we expect to open our papers in the morning and not be
bombarded by stories of the drug-addicted and homeless?

The homeless and addicted individuals in the area amount to a handful
of people when you consider the total population. These are people who
have opted out of mainstream living. Needle exchanges and safe
injection sites will not help them reclaim their lives.

These people get their money for drugs from panhandling and crime, so
don't expect downtown to become safe and friendly until these
individuals are removed completely.

Providing safe injection sites and needle exchange programs is aiding
and abetting a crime. Politicians should be in the business of
reducing crime, not participating in it.

Unless we provide free drugs, put the drug addicts and pushers in
jail. Those with mental illness issues belong in hospitals, where they
can receive the help they need. Anything else is a waste of taxpayers'
money and encouragement for every addict across the country to end up
on our doorstep.

Peggy Bran,

Duncan