SAVE THE FREE NEEDLES FOR DIABETICS IN NEED

Editor, the Times:

John H. Redekop's letter of Friday, Nov. 12 (Defining moment for
drugs) states very clearly that drug addiction is a self-induced state
through the addict's repeated choice of ingesting toxic substances
till the abuse becomes a bad habit.

The Fraser Valley Health Authority wants to maintain the addict's
state of intoxication through the exchange of needles, or in effect
'harm reduction". This would, in practice, do no more than encourage
the addict to continue his/her addiction.

To suggest that this is compassionate is ridiculous. Real harm is done
to the addict - shortening his life in the process.

Saving the public from violence as the addict turns to crime is not an
excuse to introduce this practice. We have a very efficient police
force to protect us - if only the judiciary would support them as they
put their lives on the line for us.

Mayor Peary and council members, please just say "NO" to any efforts
at so-called harm reduction.

If the Fraser Valley Health Authority has too many needles, let them
give them away free to diabetics who really do need them to stay
alive, and not to self-indulgent people who would continue to abuse
their bodies at our expense.

George Bochenek,

Abbotsford