CRACK PIPES -- A PATHWAY TO MISERY

Re: Vancouver Is Now Pushing Free Crack Pipes, Aug. 2.

Instead of providing drug addicts with crack pipes, how about some
jobs? As the head of an organization working alongside those who will
benefit from clean, unused crack pipes, I'm sensitive to the concerns
cited by those supporting this recent harm-reduction strategy. But I'm
also scandalized by it.

Like so many other strategies funded by government, this one is devoid
of hope and opportunity, and doesn't allow for the possibility of
change. Contrary to popular belief, many of our friends in the
Downtown Eastside want to work. Everyone needs something that gets
them out of bed in the morning -- a sense of purpose to their day. When
work is meaningful, dignity and pride is the best payment for our
efforts. Crack pipes will always remain a pathway to misery.

Brian Postlewait

executive director, Mission Possible

Vancouver