SENDING THE RIGHT MESSAGE

Editor, The News:

Re: Right place for pot dispensary? (Letters, May ).

The majority of John E. McKenzie's questions, I'm sure, are quiet
valid to him. But I find they are very much blown out of proportion.
I would endeavour to answer a few of them to the best of my ability.
As I do not myself engage in the practice of using medical cannabis,
my opinion is just an opinion.

1. Who do they think they are? I'm fairly certain these individuals
think they are business owners, be it non-profit, and were simply
looking for a good price on rent in a location that would serve their
customers as most business owners do.

2. Are they aware of the drug problems in the neighbourhood? I'm
positive they are aware of the problems, as they have stated their
wish to help turn the neighbourhood around, as well as putting in
measure to ensure they are not contributing to the problem (i.e.
having documentation from Health Canada, and not allowing the smoking
of cannabis on their grounds).

3. Are we sending the right message to our youth and teenagers? Yes,
we are sending the right message by caring for our sick and injured
in a compassionate manner.

I must ask you, what message are you sending by not wanting a
dispensary in Maple Ridge and thereby forcing people who are sick,
injured and in pain to take a long painful ride to find their
prescribed medicines (for many this means a 4 hour bus ride there and
back), or having to negotiate with the tender mercies of the drug
dealers of your neighbourhood?

Saying no to a compassionate society bent on helping our human
brothers and sisters is akin to kicking someone when they are down.
What message does that send to our youth?

Sarah Thomas

Pitt Meadows