THE NON-ADDICTED ARE VICTIMS OR THE INJECTION SITE

Re: Closing down Insite will bring out the angel of death, Editorial, Aug. 12

I think the editorial writer has forgotten the other victim in the
tale. While Insite is certainly wonderful for the addict, unless said
addict has a trust fund buying his or her drugs, the rest of society
is harmed by Insite. The injection site's services allow the addict to
continue to function, and thus to rob and prostitute endlessly. Our
astronomical auto and property insurance rates, the bars and alarm
systems on our houses, and the decay of what was once a vibrant part
of downtown and our history, are the "benefits" Insite delivers to the
non-addict population. Surely the real help for the addict and harm
reduction for society would be mandatory rehab for those convicted of
crimes in support of an addiction. Close Insite, and fund rehab.

MAUREEN MCALEESE

Vancouver