Pubdate: Fri, 11 Apr 2003
Source: Vancouver Sun (CN BC)
Copyright: 2003 The Vancouver Sun
Contact:  http://www.canada.com/vancouver/vancouversun/
Details: http://www.mapinc.org/media/477
Author: Mark Strong

DRUG POLICY WILL COLLAPSE WITHOUT ALL FOUR PILLARS

I have several pieces of furniture that utilize four legs to make them 
stand. Some make it on three.

The recent announcement that Vancouver is proceeding with but one pillar of 
the long-awaited four-pillars approach to the horrific drug culture is 
offensive to voters who supported Larry Campbell for mayor based on the 
four-pillar model.

Aggressively pursuing the arrest of Vancouver's dealers and junkies without 
the supporting three pillars of prevention, treatment and harm reduction 
has never succeeded and never will.

As in most structures with but a single leg, the one-pillar approach will 
soon collapse.

The expense of arrests, prosecutions and the ever-increasing burden to our 
health-care system will be born by the usual suspects -- taxpayers.

Many voted for Larry Campbell with the understanding that the four-pillar 
policy was the major plank in his electoral platform. We elected him to do 
what he promised.

We expect him to direct the policies of the Vancouver police department. I 
trust his background as a police officer will not hinder his mandate to act 
with the vision and compassion we know he possesses.

Mark Strong

Vancouver
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MAP posted-by: Jay Bergstrom