COMPASSION NEEDED

Re: Dick Hainsworth's June 19 letter "Just call me a hypocrite" replying to
a column by Jody Paterson on the problems caused by heroin being illegal.

Perhaps Paterson doesn't have all the answers to the problems of drug
addiction but she does have concern and compassion. It's so easy to label,
judge and so "close the door."

Surely it's not just a question of cost in dollars that is the concern, but
the cost in human suffering. The stress, and agonizing anxiety for all who
love an addicted person, (yes, Mr. Hainsworh, addicts are lovable people),
not to mention the pain and suffering of the addicted person, is horrendous.

It's time we look at what we can do to prevent drug addiction, e.g., more
school councillors, research, treatment centres and adequate care for the
mentally ill.

Addicted people are ill people who need our love, care and compassion, not
labelling, condemnation and scorn. Perhaps it would be wise to refrain from
judging until one has walked in another's shoes.

Perhaps one day Hainsworth will discover a friend, a son or daughter or
relative is one of the "morally weak, despicable" drug addicted he so
readily judges.

Mary Simpson, Victoria