CRIMINALIZING DRUGS DOESN'T WORK

Editor, The News:

Re: Local MLA calls for mandatory jail time for crystal meth dealers (NEWS,
Aug. 21).

It is the most natural human instinct - to retaliate in anger when you
have been wronged or to resist the threat of the unknown. This is the
immediate reaction of many to the obvious crystal meth endemic that
has finally captured the attention of this community.

There are the cries for justice and the beating of the vigilantism
drum in response to a problem that is perceived to be the result of
the 'velvet glove' treatment of offenders. Though I understand and
share in the anger and recognize opportunities for significant areas
of improvement in the prosecution of such offenders I fear the
hastiness that the MLA Randy Hawes demonstrated in his comments
demanding mandatory federal terms for the makers and distributors of
crystal meth. I have difficulties relying on a system that has proven
it does not have the resources to treat and rehabilitate addicted
offenders (a large majority of crystal meth distributors are financing
their own addictions).

Fortunately, unlike our southern neighbours, we have built a system
that attempts to exhaust all other means prior to handing over prison
sentences - especially federal prison sentences because historically
we realize that it has demonstrated only limited success in reforming
offenders. And yes, prison must do more than just punish - despite the
call of the vocal for a return to the days of bread and water;
ignorance and cruelty just breed further ignorance and cruelty.

To see a living, breathing example of a failing system that advocates
punishment as the band-aid solution to drug addiction, take a moment
to review these statistics on the U.S. 'war on drugs'.

From 1984 to 1996 the U.S. crime index rose 13 points. This dramatic
increase occurred during the era of mandatory minimum sentencing and
"three strikes you're out."

A Department of Justice study of recidivism revealed: "the amount of
time inmates serve in prison does not increase or decrease the
likelihood of recidivism, whether recidivism is measured as parole
revocation, re-arrest, reconviction, or return to prison."

RAND found that three strikes and truth-in-sentencing laws have little
significant impact on crime and arrest rates. Despite the propaganda,
this is not a system that has curbed the fervor and spread of
addiction - and ultimately even above punishment that is the goal of
any "justice" system.

Just for a moment, let's consider what becomes of an offender
sentenced to the minimum federal sentence of (2) two years plus a day
in Canada. Firstly, the estimated cost of housing a medium security
inmate is $68,000 annually . Secondly, they are often placed amongst
more experienced criminals, superior in their knowledge and operation
of clandestine labs, providing additional tips for amateurs - the
School of Criminality. Let's not even begin the debate on their
further access to drugs while imprisoned.

And thirdly, after warehousing such an inmate until his statutory
release, the doors to the community are opened for him with only a few
dollars in his pocket, few if any new skills and the label federal
inmate. Sounds like the beginning of another success story. Before
long our newest displaced citizen returns to the only life
recognizable to him before prison - old friends, old territory, old
means of making an income and thus the cycle continues. Sounds like an
excellent plan. Why I think we've found a remedy for our crystal meth
crisis.

Here's a taste of reality - prison may be what they deserve, however,
prison rarely produces the desired effect. And like the ol' 12-step
adage states, "If nothing changes - nothing changes." If we deal with
drug addiction as we always have than we will continue to get what we
have always got - communities overwrought with the plague of drugs,
crime and disease. Crystal meth may be this generation's drug of
choice - eight years ago it was the novelty of smoking heroin and in
the east the access to the pharmaceutical Oxycontin.

Drug addiction, sadly is a reality - how we choose to deal with this
community issue is our choice. We can come together and dialogue,
brain-storm with the lay experts and demand more of our politicians
like the City of Vancouver has chosen to do with their "four pillar"
approach - a drug strategy that recognizes the importance of education
and awareness of addiction before enacting sweeping changes. We can
unite to educate, raise awareness, produce and fund resources and
facilities such as detox and residential rehabilitation facilities
(B.C. has just 99 detox beds for the thousands of drug abusers in this
province), and devise effective law enforcement strategies as the
Meadowridge Rotary Club is currently doing with the support of so many
involved citizens including myself. Or we can do as we've always done
and allow a politician to jump on the bandwagon of his ill-informed
constituents out of fear of alienation and enact change that serves
that human instinct to right the immediate wrong while producing the
latent effect of ignorance to the real issue.

We will never fully eradicate drug addiction; however, we certainly
can call for our tax dollars to be used wisely in dealing with it.

And finally, for Lorie Morrison (Drugs, crime, vandalism, NEWS
letters, Aug. 21), I know an excellent area for you to relocate to
where you can enjoy open spaces and the beauty of the city. It is a
place where trees still line the streets of heritage homes and
comfortable coffee shops serve great conversation along with their
world-class java. It's called Kerrisdale. And every second Friday I
hope you will join me at 33rd and Larch for Parents Forever - a
support group for families, most whom reside in the Kerrisdale area,
who meet to discuss, educate themselves and gain support for dealing
with their addicted family members - many residents now of the
Downtown Eastside community.

You may want to close your eyes to the issue, and I'd be happy to join
you - but I promise no matter where you open them up somewhere in the
community a heroin addict will be shooting up at 3 o'clock in the
afternoon. Drug addiction is this communities problem - it is not a
homelessness issue, it is not a youth issue or an issue for girls
literally dying to lose weight - it is a Maple Ridge, Pitt Meadows,
Mission, Tri-City, Vancouver, Kerrisdale, Hope, Spuzzum, B.C., Canada
issue.

I know you understand that, Mr. Hawes, considering you were in
attendance for the community meeting hosted by the Rotary Club. I hope
to see you at the next committee meeting of the new task force on
crystal meth - at least I can say our other political Randy, MP Randy
Kamp, has been present and willing to serve his constituents in a way
that will truly serve them - through education and public awareness of
the reality of crystal meth. Hope to see you soon, Mr. Hawes!

Corrine Arthur

Maple Ridge