THE ANSWER IS NOT INCREASED JAIL TIMES

MLA Randy Hawes' letter on crystal meth mentions the losing battle
between production and sale of illegal drugs and the massive resources
spent on chasing drug pushers and dealers. I agree it is not money
well spent. If there is a demand, there will be a supply, it does not
matter whether it is legal or illegal.

Mr. Hawes then seems to equate judicial penalties, which in his mind
are only a 'slap on the wrist,' to the lobby of decriminalization of
some drugs. The only push for decriminalization going on currently
that I know is on marijuana. As for sentencing, the judiciary looks at
cases brought before it, the evidence, the situation of the accused,
who may themselves be an addict, and give appropriate sentences in the
majority of cases. The goal is to ensure public safety and improve the
chances if possible of the accused to better themselves.

Mr. Hawes tells of the crystal meth task force started by the Ridge
Meadows Rotary Club, saying the community is fighting back. He is
short on specifics of what their goals are and how they intend to
accomplish them. His main push seems to be that we should all send him
e-mails, letters and petitions asking for stiffer sentences. Seems
like a Randy White style, prey on people's crime fears, lock them up
and throw away the key. Simple solutions to complex problems.

We have real social problems not being addressed here. We have street
kids, many homeless, using meth, which makes their miserable
experience of street life seem more tolerable when they are high. We
have young women using this drug to stay thin because of societal
pressures to look a certain way.

They start using and before they know it are addicted. Many start
dealing on the street to support their own habit.

Yet, what money is spent on resources to help our youth, the homeless
and others falling through the cracks? People have to wait three weeks
for emergency funds at social services while becoming temporarily
homeless and vulnerable. Reconnect workers in our communities have
been cut back on their street work, which was proactive and now, can
only provide ministry referrals dealing with kids after they are
already in trouble.

The drug and alcohol clinics are not adequate for the numbers needing
or wanting help. In most cases of addiction there are small windows of
opportunity. If they do not get help then they never do. There are not
enough rehab facilities, and most require the client to be clean 72
hours before admittance, if they get in at all.

I suggest people send Mr. Hawes e-mails, letters and petitions,
demanding the government spend money on more facilities, rehab
centres, drug and alcohol councillors and reconnect workers so addicts
wanting help, get it. Increase funding for emergency shelters and
connecting social supports for street kids and the homeless. There is
no emergency shelter in Mission. In my opinion, this would help get
people off their addictions and maybe even prevent some deaths. This
is far more efficient than increasing jail times.

Randy Cairns

Mission