MIXED MESSAGE IN CRYSTAL METH ARTICLE

To the editor:

A few comments on your Dec. 5 front page story entitled Crystal
Death.

I believe the article was poorly written and gave a rather confused,
mixed message. On the one hand, it points out the "desirable elements"
of crystal meth, while on the other hand it documents its destructive
elements. It purports to be a warning, while at the same time
providing convenient information on where to get the chemicals and
recipes needed to make speed.

Even the front-page photo leads one to wonder is that real meth or
faked and, if it is real where did your news staff get it? The police?
The OUC nurses? Or was it purchased illegally by your reporter?

Some might conclude the latter and be encouraged to do the
same.

Finally, why the reluctance of your reporter and the nursing staff to
come right out and say, "Don't take street drugs of any kind?" Rather,
you end the article with an indecisive quote of, "=85if you are going
to take drugs, please don't take this one." What kind of a message is
that?

Why are some people quick to declare that tobacco use is dangerous to
your health and wrong, and state it in no uncertain terms, yet stop
short of saying the same thing about drugs?

One more closing comment, I know from first-hand experience that speed
use in the 1960s and '70s was every bit as dangerous as it is now.

Back then, in Ontario where it was widely used, it was commonly
injected, and as highly addictive as it is today. Many of those who
survived its use are still suffering the long term mental and physical
consequences.

There's nothing recreational about that.

Youth today need to hear a consistent and decisive message from the
government, the press, medical professionals, parents and teachers,
and that message is that unprescribed drug use is dangerous and wrong.
If we really believe this, come out and say it. If we don't believe
this, then maybe we should let someone who's fully convinced write the
articles so the message is clear.

M. Bernard

Kelowna