RULING IGNORES HARSH REALITY

Re: Science vs. politics, Editorial, June 1

The politically correct, including many "progressive" civic and
provincial politicians, are rallying to condemn the federal
government for appealing a B.C. Supreme Court decision that renders
drug addiction a Charter right by declaring the Insite shooting
gallery in Vancouver a "medical service."

Let us not forget that this decision was nothing more than the
interpretation of the Charter by one man, Justice Ian Pitfield, a
political appointee who, like all of us, has his own personal,
social and political biases. His decision renders invalid not only
the decisions of our duly elected MPs, but the values of the vast
majority of Canadians. For example, a local radio poll on May 25
asked if the operation of Insite should be extended. Eighty per cent
of respondents said no.

The "science" can be argued convincingly by either side, but human
nature decrees – and the streets of Vancouver and Victoria
demonstrate – that condoning and actively supporting
anti-social behaviour will only result in an increase in that
anti-social behaviour.

Randy O'Donnell, Nanaimo, B.C.