READER PRAISES EXPRESS' CRYSTAL METH SERIES

RE: Johnnie Bachusky column June 14 -- "Soul searching around the
horrors of crystal meth"

As citizens of Red Deer, we owe a huge thank you to the editors of
the Red Deer Express and to Johnnie Bachusky for revealing the
wrenching facts about meth addiction in the two-part information
series carried in the Red Deer Express on May 17 and May 24.

Also for Mr. Bachusky's candid and heart-warming follow-up column on
June 14, which presents to all of us a courageous challenge worth
considering when it comes to addressing the ills of our world --"to
learn to face the harsh realities of our culture", to "Listen to
those in need without judging" -- indeed to follow the example left
to us by Jesus in bringing "love, comfort and understanding" to our
neighbours -- including addicts, and their families -- the forgotten
victims of the drug epidemic.

What a profound impact we could have in this world if we took to
heart and put into practice this one, "simple" suggestion -- "Love
your neighbour as yourself."!

Is it any wonder we call, "Doing unto others what we wish they would
do unto us", the golden rule?

Our lives would all be greatly enriched with the flavour of
compassion if we could but live out this one principal.

Perhaps then we could collectively and effectively address these
issues gnawing at our social fabric and threatening the future of our children.

Without it, solid solutions will continue to elude us and the
future's horizon will remain littered with the casualties of this
dreadful scourge.

God bless you Johnnie for your passion, courage and compassion amidst
the ugliness of this reality! The kindness and sensitivity expressed
in your column has, I'm quite sure, touched many an aching heart,
including mine, with hope -- hope that we can make a difference.

Marge Epp (an addict's mom)

Red Deer, (Circle of Hope)