Right to make a fatal choice

Re the various letters on the subject of "free drugs for addicts". Firstly, I do not believe that prescribing drugs to addicts has a future because, as with most things, "much wants more".And the suggestions for giving shoplifters free goods, bank robbers free money etc defy all sanity (as indeed their sarcastic proponents know).

The issue of "illicit" drugs is, however, different. While taking heroin, cocaine, skunk etc is illegal, the two best known (and most frequently and obviously abused) drugs - alcohol and tobacco - are not only permitted, they are positively encouraged.

It all comes down to two things:

First, does being under the influence of illicit drugs have any impact on the general public? No.

People on heroin etc seek nothing more than peace and quiet to enjoy their trip (unlike drunkards who go about smashing the place up and generally making a nuisance of themselves). It is the constant quest for funds to feed their drug habit which causes great concern and suffering, and lots of crime.

Second, how can any democratically elected government proscribe an activity which has no impact on anyone other than the individual indulging in that activity? Sexual intercourse is legal, but if you do it in the street, or to someone who objects, the ordure rapidly hits the fan.

I believe that everyone has the right to go to hell in their own way. If that way involves wrecking your health by using massive quantities of any substance, on your own head be it.

Heroin, cocaine, marijuana etc should be as freely available as tobacco, beer, wine and spirits. That way freedom of choice, not some airy-fairy notion of morality, would be the deciding factor on whether or not to use it.

But to legalise drugs you have to convince the Yanks and they'll never go for it. Too much money rides on the status quo. (It would cripple the CIA too.)

Me? I enjoy the occasional glass of fine single malt or a pint of good beer. I gave up smoking years ago because I could no longer afford to buy cigarettes.

If you want to smoke, drink or inject yourself to death, then that should be your choice. As long as you don't cause a nuisance, I don't care what you get up to. And neither should anyone else.

John Benton, Horace Partridge Road, Moxley.

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