COMPASSION, NOT COMPULSION, FOR ADDICTS

Re: "Attack heroin addiction through compulsory detox," Nov. 27.

Well, well, well, hasn't David Staples had a lovely career because
heroin is illegal! He has the cart before the horse -- people become
criminals because they break a law. Prohibition is an asinine law. We
as a free society have the right to put what we choose into our own bodies.

The situation in the U.K. regarding today's addicts has nothing to do
with the fact that the government doctors gave heroin to the one
hundred or so addicts who were the products of the Second World War.
Withdrawing access was the beginning of today's problems because the
addict is prevented from getting a safe, clean supply of his drug of
choice. We can buy tobacco and alcohol and Aspirin at a licensed
store. Why the discrepancy?

If we have empty wards at the hospital, perhaps they would be better
used to house the homeless. Provide compassionate detox facilities to
those who choose to avail themselves.

Just as alcohol is not a problem for more than 90 per cent of users,
neither would heroin be if it didn't have to be purchased on the black market.

To suggest compulsory treatment for anything tells me that Staples,
in spite of his career in service to the public, has a very poor
understanding of human nature.

Eleanor Randell,

Saanich.