BOISCLAIR COCAINE USE FATAL

D.R. Gooch's letter (Gazette, Nov. 5) arguing no one cares about Andre
Boisclair's use of cocaine is wrong.

The problem with Boisclair's use of cocaine is not only that it is an
illegal substance, but that as a minister it was his job to apply the
law.

His use of cocaine while a minister responsible for drafting and
enforcing laws shows considerable arrogance. In effect, he was saying
the law doesn't apply to him, and he obviously felt he was above the
law.

Interestingly, Boisclair can't use the addict defence - that he
couldn't help himself. So it was a personal choice, a lack of judgment
on a huge scale.

The question becomes: If we can't trust him to make proper personal
choices on such a fundamental issue, how can we expect him to make the
right choices that are in Quebecers' interests?

Gooch's suggestion is that Quebec is not like other provinces and that
Boisclair represents "fresh ideas and some vision."

He might ask, though, how one applies ideas and vision without good
judgment.

Jack Stoch

Rouyn-Noranda