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