In the drugs debate, the ABC ought to be encouraged to reflect community
opinion.

It should be discouraged from taking an active role in arguing for drug
reform or so-called harm minimisation programs.

It is often the case that individuals and organisations who are against
legalisation or harm minimisation programs are characterised as
old-fashioned, reactionary conservatives.

We ought to reject such characterisation, as our stance is governed by the
most up-to-date information from around the world.

We must remind experts who work with drug addicts (and who admittedly must
be desperate for solutions to this terrible human problem) that we have a
responsibility not only to assess problems of drug users, but to look
beyond at the wider community.

Especially to young Australians not yet involved in the drug scene and who
deserve maximum protection, which they would not get if drugs were legalised.

We should also insist on realistic education about drugs for our young.

We can point out the dangers of drinking and driving are given dramatic
air-play, which has clearly played a part in reducing the road toll.

There are now suggestions that people will not be allowed to smoke at the
Melbourne Cricket Ground, not even outside.

Perhaps this is overkill, but why is the response to drug use, so much more
lethal than either cigarettes or alcohol, so different?

Father Laurie Cusack
San Remo, Victoria

Checked-by: Richard Lake