SUPPORTING ADDICTS' DRUG USE WON'T HELP OUR COMMUNITIES

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

Let us not forget that the 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 those
made by elected members of Parliament but also the values of the vast
majority of Canadians. For example, a CKNW Radio poll of May 25 asked
if the operation of Insite should be extended. Fully 80 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 supporting anti-social behaviour
will only result in an increase of that anti-social behaviour.

Randy O'Donnell

Nanaimo