To the editor:
Re: "Pro-dope VANDU doesn't deserve taxpayer money," Feb. 15
Mark Hasiuk should broaden his understanding of addiction and would do well to read beyond the American-style paradigm of so called "addiction science." The World Health Organization has a number of illuminating publications that explain dependency in terms anyone can understand. You will soon discover that simplistic notions of drug use as hedonistic and for the weak willed are grossly misinformed. VANDU is pro people who use drugs, but not pro drugs per se.
As Hasiuk points out, drug policy is being debated and the community of people who use drugs-including countless numbers with minds at least as perceptive and insightful as Hasiuk's-are naturally in the fore of the advocacy for drug law reform. He would also do well to read about the history of drug prohibition and recall the failed experiment of alcohol prohibition. Hasiuk is very brave to put his name to such a discriminatory and underinformed column. However, the tide is turning to more sensible and compassionate drug policy.
Ruth Birgin, Brisbane, Australia
