Copyright: 2007 The Vancouver Sun
Contact: sunletters@png.canwest.com
Website: http://www.canada.com/vancouver/vancouversun/
Details: http://www.mapinc.org/media/477
Author: Gyula Huszar

INSITE IS A BEACON FOR DRUG USERS ACROSS THE CONTINENT

Re: Continuing the 'war on drugs' is not helping the addicted, Issues
& Ideas, Sept. 18

As a long-time resident of Greater Vancouver, I've had the
opportunity to see Hastings Street change from the central shopping
area to what looks like a Mad Max movie set. The change in the speed
of this decay ramped up when InSite was opened for drug users. A
quick drive through the area confirms that the population of addicts
there is exploding.

"Normalizing" drug use by allowing a state-sponsored facility like
InSite to exist will not ease the problem; it will have the contrary
effect of serving as a beacon to all drug users across North America.
I see my city drawing more addicts, who set up shop and further tax
our social systems.

My solution is: Close InSite until every other city in North America
has its own version. Our problems are sufficiently challenging already.

Gyula Huszar

Vancouver