IN DEFENCE OF CRACK KITS

Re: 'Safe' Crack Kits Promote Drug Use, Stuart Murray, Sept. 2.

Manitoba's Progressive Conservative leader is to be commended for not
letting the reduction in funding to the Addictions Foundation of Manitoba
pass unnoticed. It is a bizarre decision to say the least -- like reducing
vaccinations amidst an epidemic, or cutting the army at a time of war.

But how exactly does the targeted distribution of crack kits promote drug
use? Mr. Murray states this as a given, but does not say how it would
happen in the case of this particular program.

It's true that crack addicts can be "volatile, aggressive individuals who
commit crimes to feed their addiction ... not rational people looking to do
their fellow addicts or the general public any favours." But that's not to
say that they never engage in rational activities or treat others kindly.

If they were beyond being able to exercise their will, treatment would be
useless. But just as their will can be mobilized in recovery, it can also
be mobilized at earlier stages to prevent fatal disease so that they will
still be alive to recover.

Rev. Larry Gregan, associate pastor, New Life Ministries, Winnipeg.