Pubdate: Sat, 06 Oct 2007
Source: Globe and Mail (Canada)
Copyright: 2007, The Globe and Mail Company
Contact:  http://www.globeandmail.ca/
Details: http://www.mapinc.org/media/168
Author: Dan Malleck

HARM PRODUCTION AND DRUGS

St. Catharines, Ont. -- In decrying harm reduction (Harper Takes Aim 
At Drug Culture - Oct. 5), Stephen Harper reasons that if you remain 
a drug addict you will "have a short and miserable life."

Historically, many people lived long and productive lives while 
habitually using drugs such as cocaine and heroin. What was the 
difference between then and now? Drug prohibition. By making drug use 
illegal, authorities forced people who sought and sold drugs to the 
margins of society. Drug sales became the purview of criminals, and 
the market became the marginal and the miserable.

Perpetuating this cycle is unconscionable.

DAN MALLECK

Department of Community Health Sciences, Brock University
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MAP posted-by: Jay Bergstrom