Grow Mercy

Reasons the Conservatives oppose InSite

10 comments October 29th, 2008

A comment from the last post requires, or inspires me, to a fuller response. Actually, forgive me, it turned out rather long. Feel free to skim.

Sam said:

I have read Connie Howard’s article, and while it’s well-written and presents a convincing case (to me at least) for keeping InSite operating, I was hoping also to read a presentation of the reasons why the federal government might want to close the site, and an argument about those reasons. That part of the broader argument seems to me to be missing. From my limited exposure to this work, I understand that harm reduction is still a controversial approach to the problems around drug use and abuse and that there are valid reasons for opposing this approach.

Thanks Sam. The reason, I suspect, you didn’t get a presentation of the reasons why the federal government is opposed to InSite, is because they have never clearly stated them. All they have said, repeatedly, is that safe injection sites add harm and offer no hope. But, as Connie Howard pointed out, even their own study refutes that stance. According to Simon Fraser University criminologist Neil Boyd, who was hired by the Conservatives to advise the committee overseeing their study, the research shows that "InSite has no apparent negative impacts, has resulted in "modest decreases" in drug use, and has not disturbed public order." In fact, Boyd said, "InSite should not only be continued, but the program should be expanded to other locations." Adding, "I think our data suggests… the building of additional facilities of a similar kind in neighborhoods where they are needed would yield benefits much in excess of the costs required for such projects."

So what, in light of this, are the reasons for the Harper government’s ongoing resistance? I’m guessing it has everything to do with the government looking soft on drug use. And that’s not an image Conservatives are comfortable with. At InSite, drug abusers cannot be arrested and prosecuted. That, I’m sure, rankles. And the Tories certainly don’t want to offend groups like REAL Women, and the Canada Family Action Coalition, who were quick to thank the Health Minister for resisting pressures to support programs that aid people in using illegal drugs. The Conservatives are loathe to carve out exemptions because it looks like caving in.

And so, on the defensive, Tony Clement puts on his priestly raiment and tells us that the government’s approach is the one that’s more caring and compassionate. He says he is not about to give up on the addicts, like the folks at InSite. And he scorns the perceived "enabling" of harm reduction.
Tony Clement is not an unprincipled or, I’m sure, an uncaring person. I understand his reasoning. I once held to it. But after 20 odd years of being around the problem, I now see that it’s reasoning that has a higher regard for a personal conviction than for grappling with the complexities and devastation of chronic drug addiction, and the reality of life on the street.

InSite does not give up on abstinence. But it does consider carefully the nature of addiction, and as a result offers a dignified and caring approach–that of harm reduction. Harm reduction is not a form of co-dependence, and is not the same thing as enabling. And there is no evidence that harm reduction encourages drug use. What it does do, is treat chronically afflicted addicts in a way that allows them to lead more bearable lives, and, in the process, find an oasis of calm, where choices may, perhaps, open up for then. For many addicts in Vancouver’s lower Eastside, InSite has been the first place they have encountered compassion, and is the first link they have had with the medical system.

Without doubt, many lives have been saved through the presence of InSite. The reactionary charge, without evidence, has been made that InSite’s existence has lead to more lost lives than saved lives. But that’s like blaming medical clinics for the existence of disease. If it could be shown that InSite adds to the number of addicts then it has stepped out of the realm of harm reduction. If InSite’s existence caused more crime, more drug use, more drug trafficking, more HIV/AIDS, even more general social disorder, it would not be in line with harm reduction.

And as far as chronic addicts being enabled by being given clean needles, a sanitary place, with watchful and caring supervision, while they engage in something they would have otherwise done in an alley…well, I don’t think so. But let me add, not all drug abusers are equal, and I do concede that for some, a safe injection site may, or may not, perpetuate an early habit.

It is true that for some, the immediate negative consequences of drug abuse is enough to convince them to enter a program. For these people, no safe injection site is needed. But hardcore drug addicts have experienced every possible negative consequence, save death. As it happens, it’s these hardcore addicts that InSite attracts. And that should be a salient point for consideration. Every parent knows that equal treatment, is not necessarily fair or just treatment. InSite is simply calling for a recognition of that common understanding. And with political will and desire, an exemption to the drug law can be upheld. To refuse to see this, as far as I see, is a refusal not on humane reasons, but for reasons, political and ideological.

Finally, with respect to enabling, here is something of a parallel consideration: As Gabor Mate’ points out, we don’t refuse life-saving treatment for chronic smokers with lung cancer; or inveterate over-eaters for cardiac arrests; or workaholics for stress related strokes; or abused women for staying with their abuser. Does treatment enable these addictions? Should we refuse medical care here so that they might feel a greater negative effect of their choices?

So here’s a plea to Conservatives: Do no harm. A safe injection site can provide a little haven where patient and compassionate human contact, opens an avenue for self-respect and possibility. At InSite, harm reduction makes the lives of chronic drug addicts bearable, with the potential of ushering in rehabilitation for some. Overall, harm reduction broadens the scope of hope.

(In writing this, I’ve had much inspiration from Gabor Mate’s book, In the Realm of Hungry Ghosts. Mate’ has worked as a physician in Vancouver’s Downtown Eastside for over 12 years.)

Letter to Stephen Harper in support of InSite.

No InSite, No Insight

6 comments October 23rd, 2008

I’m recommending that you take a moment to read Connie Howard’s article, Well, Well, Well, No InSite, No Insight, about Vancouver’s, safe injection site. Why? Because Stephen Harper seems bent on shutting it down.

I suspect the safe injection site doesn’t sit well with him. It probably has to do with a personal philosophy, or principle…which is fine, we all have them–philosophies/principles. Except here, his principles will do damage to people who need help.

I guess he agrees with his health minister Tony Clement, who calls safe injection sites, "abominations." It’s telling language. And it’s a shame. Because on every humane and practical score, as Connie H. reports, InSite makes sense.

Harper’s own advisory committee has examined the evidence and concluded that the site makes financial sense, saves lives, acts as a deterrent to drug use, has not increased crime, drug dealing or relapse rates and effectively increases the number of addicts seeking detox and treatment. Criminologists commissioned by the RCMP say it should be left open.

There should be no controversy about reducing harm and saving lives.

If you care about harm reduction and basic human dignity, please read the article and sign the letter to Stephen Harper, linked at the end of Connie Howard’s article.

Temple of the Emerald Buddha

Add comment October 20th, 2008

The first thing I saw upon entering the Temple of the Emerald Buddha (Wat Phra Kaeo), was the seated hermit.

He’s a comic figure–apparently not taking himself too seriously in a place that weighs heavy with formality, tradition, and gilt. But, I’m given to understand that he’s a good doctor, for which he is venerated. People bring him medicine, which he blesses, improving its therapeutic effect. He’s a happy hermit, and no doubt his good natured outlook goes far in conditioning all potions.

Except for the flow of tourists, the air within the rest of the temple compound is sonorous. This is, after all, the most sacred structure in Thailand. But it’s also said to be the repository of the spirit of the Thai people enmasse.

With this consideration, I walked slowly, trying to pick up the reverberations of that spirit. But it didn’t happen. For one thing, a camera is a distraction. One cannot, not, take pictures, but a camera keeps you at the surface. The other thing that cropped up was this incongruity: If the spirit of the Thai people lived here, it had to be underneath the near ostentatiousness, the almost garish-Disney quality of the temple. The Thai people I had met were warm, hospitable and gracious. The Temple, was overbearing. I decided I was missing something.

I wandered. I took a hundred pictures: the brilliant tiles, the gilt-bronze emblems, the marble monuments, the countless mother of pearl inlays, the stone guards, the half-deer people, the demon-monkey guardians-hardly frightening, and the rest of the pagoda’s and stupa’s and dagobas’.

At last I entered the ubosoth (chapel) of the Emerald Buddha. Here, as prescribed, I took off my sandals and refrained from taking pictures. (There is however a spot in the portico where you can zoom-in on the Emerald Buddha. He’s wearing his rainy season costume.)

The Emerald Buddha is not emerald but jade. It was a mistaken fifteenth century monk that made the claim, but the name stuck. The Emerald Buddha is seated in a glass case, high above a gilded wooden throne. Beneath and around him is a pyramid-like arrangement of images, golden Buddha icons, crowned gilded Buddha figures and more. On the wall behind the throne, I learned, is a mural of the Traiphum–the three worlds of Desire, Form and Non-Form.

(As an act of preparation before entering the ubosoth, people buy tulips, dip them in water and sprinkle themselves.)

The smooth marble floor in front of the Emerald Buddha shrine was crowded with curio-seekers, wonderers and worshippers. Everyone was seated, and presenting, I suppose, many variations of the Lotus position.

(A bhikkhu, or fully ordained Buddhist monk, honouring the story of Buddha’s enlightenment, depicted by the mural.)

In spite of all the coming and going, there was silence within the ubosoth. All I heard was the hum of fans. And in spite of the opulent surroundings, there was, within, a basic dignity and reverence.

(Found: Out of view, through a gate, behind the galleries, East of the Temple.)

It was possible, in that quiet, to catch something of the Thai spirit that is contained in the Buddhist understanding of samadhi, tranquility of heart.

Autumn Light

Add comment October 15th, 2008

Autumn has a salient light. That’s what I noticed when I left the walls of my office and walked with the sun over my shoulder.

It’s the sort of light that would, if you allowed it, pry your soul open with soft low angle rays.

You see, there is nothing harsh or frenetic about fall light. It takes time to lounge, unfurl, reflect. It knows about detachment. It understands the circle.

Even with age, when it loses its hair and teeth, it continues to cast gentle beams.
And it’s power is in posing just the right question–for you.

Election Day - Before and After voting

Add comment October 13th, 2008

Before you vote, here are a few techniques to make your time in the voting booth a bearable experience:

-Wear something comfortable…but no sweater vests.
-Picture kittens, not white Huskies.
-Meditate on proportional representation…I mean really meditate!
-Recite some Rumi. Like: "Where is the one whose candle burns in the dawn?"
-Hum anything, except Celine Dion’s, "You and I." (It just didn’t work for Hillary C.) Better: Frank Sinatra’s, "High Hopes," or Tom Petty’s, "I Won’t Back Down."
-Give a Twoonie to the homeless guy outside the polling station.
-Finally, gird your loins, and enter.

And then, upon exiting…having done your best at marking an X, relax, and console yourself with this:

While I was in Bangkok the governor’s race was on. Consider: At least we don’t have candidates like Chuwit Kamolvisit.

Chuwit made his fortune on Bangkok’s sex trade–his, "empire of flesh." Having done so, he feels eminently qualified to be Governor of Bangkok. And so he’s financing his own campaign to take on the hypocrisy and deceit that is, as he says, rotting Thai politics.

Here’s some Chuwit candor:

-"Politics is so dirty, so ugly, I would rather sit tight in the nightclub, surrounded by girls, smoking cigars, drinking brandy, champagne. That was the perfect life."
-"Who better to wipe out bribes, than someone who got rich paying them?"
-"I cannot fix the traffic. Nobody can fix the traffic."
-"The sex business is not a problem. If you don’t have sex, that’s a problem."

One of Chuwit’s many billboards reads: Last night I dreamed that Thai people love each other, but will my dreams come true? Now there’s an appeal that has possibilities: A kind of introspective anxious snivel. Ah yes, now we’re back to Canadian politics…save the introspection.

Christian Nationalism

6 comments October 11th, 2008

Here’s a link to an article published in today’s Edmonton Journal.

Thank you for reading and for commenting!

Boonyoung and Bass

Add comment October 10th, 2008

It’s the smell that you take away with you.

I’ve encountered the smell before. It’s the one that assaults, just briefly, as you step over a manhole or sewer grate. I’ve encountered it on the farm too, when feed, water, shit, straw, heat and time, come together to produce a mephitis emitting blue-black slurry.

Here, the fetor gets inside and under your skin. If you live here, Pi-kun tells me, you get used to it.

But what gets in deeper, are the people of the slum. We spent part of an afternoon talking with Boonyoung. She had just come back from shopping–checking disposal sites for things saleable or eatable.

She’s something of a make-shift grandmother to 12-year old Bass–whose mother she had adopted years before. The mother is rarely around these days and the father long gone. Bass thinks Boonyoung is his real grandmother…and of course, she is. Boonyoung also cares for her ailing 80 year old husband.

Pi-kun and her field workers keep in constant contact with this family. Bass is a strong candidate for a live-in Project LIFE Child Sponsorship Program that–with the successful purchase of a building–should be up and running in the new year.

The Child Sponsorship residence is a short walk from the fetid Ram-2 slum–but a great distance.

Back at the "office" I asked Pi-kun about her name. She said her father named her just before leaving her mother. She said she was named after a flower with brown pedals that grows along roadsides and in Bangkok’s waste places. "At night," she said, "It gives off a wonderful smell!"

(Visiting Boonyoung: Muk, Pi-kun and Tika)

Weapons of mass applause

8 comments October 7th, 2008

This morning, sporadic clashes are still be going on between Thai police and PAD (People’s Alliance for Democracy) protesters. The police are using barbed wire and tear gas. The protesters, for their part, are armed with, "weapons to chase away the evil that has twisted the minds of this government," namely, purple clappers.

If I lived here, I would come understand that the main reason for the formation of PAD, and the on-going anti-government demonstrations, was the corruption of the Thai government, lead by former prime minister Thaksin Shinawatra.

Thaksin, bowed by pressure, is now in exile. He has been replaced by prime minister Somchai Wongsawat. However, Somchai happens to be the brother-in-law of Thaksin. And so the current  protest, from what I gather, is about abandoned promised reforms, and the “re-Thaksinisation” of the government.

Well, yesterday morning (not sure if you’re getting this news where you are) the police moved in on the protesters. Instead of lobbing the tear gas canisters, the police fired the cylinders directly at the crowd of 20,000. Many injuries, some serious, and one death–a young female protester. (picture is from Bloomberg news)

The government says the 100-plus injuries were inflicted by protesters running into each other. (However, deputy prime minister Chavalit Yongchaiyudh has resigned over the "incident.")

The protesters retaliated by throwing marbles into the police headquarters.
In the mean time, her majesty (Thailand is still theoretically a constitutional monarchy) pledged 100,000 baht to treat all injuries, including paying for a prothesis for one man who lost a leg (presumably by running into a fellow protester).

From what I’m seeing and hearing on Thai TV, (I found a Thai channel in English) the protesters are mostly women sporting yellow shirts and headbands printed with big bold letters which translate as “Save the Country.”

It has the potential to get uglier than it already is. But the Internet is still working, news is getting out, and their is no military music playing on all the channels.

So I’m taking the day to myself, and heading back downtown via Bangkok’s invigorating transit system. (Came back to the Avana Hotel last night, using the transit.)

It will work like this: I’ll catch one of a thousand possible antiquated, rust scarred rolling hulks, resembling buses. To do this I may have to cross a lane or two, buses don’t always stop at the curb. I’ll then be spilled out onto a crowded semi-sidewalk. Pressed in, shoulder to shoulder, I’ll follow the crowd–I don’t have a choice in this–and find a gate that will lead me to a very modern, overly air conditioned, sky-train, that will take me, after a transfer, to Bangkok’s city centre. A place that must be seen to be believed–and makes our place in downtown Edmonton look absolutely rural. (Yup, I’m a small town boy.)

But–having been strongly advised–I’m thinking I’ll stay clear of the Govt. House today.

Bangkok Slums - Mahadthai 1

2 comments October 6th, 2008

Noi is as tall as a garden fence, but she comes with a giant constitution, and an even bigger heart. Her partner, Thorn, same character, except taller, rounds out their "team." They are slum sitters–they call it ministry–looking after about 160 elderly people in nine different Bangkok slums.

I spent a morning with them. We visited Mahadthai 1, the largest of the nine. We brought cans of food for families and milk for babies.

Som is 70 and takes care of his daughter’s baby. The baby needed milk this day. And Som was living on pulverized and boiled weeds for the past few days. Happy for the canned food we brought, he expressed it by sharing his family history.

I met only beautiful people, gracious and warm–bowing when we met, bowing when we parted–but came away sick to my stomach for experiencing their conditions.

Noi and Thorn do this everyday, six days a week, half day on Thursday. They visit, gossip with the older ladies, laugh a lot, leave cans of food, and pray with as many as will let them. Everyone does.

One lady, they tell me, became a Christian. Another lady who had been a Christian went back to Buddhism when her husband and son died within a couple of months of each other.

Sanom is 72. She asked Noi if she thought she was still sexy. Noi reached over and pulled Sanom’s top down just an inch and said, "There, now you are." They translated all this for me, and laughed more on the telling.

People survive by picking garbage, and selling it to a recycling business. They make a little over 100 baht per day. That’s about $3.00.

Boonmee is 73 and in reasonably good shape, but is going blind and can no longer pick garbage. Now his wife does it all.

My own personal driver

2 comments October 5th, 2008

Apparently I hired my own personal driver. How was I to know. I paid 3800 baht for a tour–sounded okay. It would get me downtown and then over to wat Phra Kaew, (the temple of the Emerald Buddha) and the Grand Palace, and then over to the sleeping, or reclining Buddha. Anyway, those were the pictures I pointed to in the tour display.

I signed up, got my pack, and waited for people to start waiting for our bus. Instead Ai, pronounced "A," showed up and lead me out through a side door– bowing, and assuring me through other humble gestures, and kindly sounding Thai phrases, that I was to come with him. I followed him to a well-used Volvo. He opened the door, and I, dutifully, got in.

Ai knew at least 5 English words–"hello, meet, wait, thank you." And I knew 1 Thai word and a name. Sawatdee-khrab, which means hello.(If you’re female you say, Sawatdee-kaa), and Chao Phraya, the river that runs through Bangkok and the one I wanted a boat ride on–if there was time before it got dark. Other than Ai singing along to Thai pop songs, (he knew all the words) we rode in delicious silence, me grinning at every new sight, and Ai, once in a while, looking over at me and smiling back.

Ai was amazing. He would get me through a maze of madness– three-wheeled taxis, bicycles, scooters and cars…I thought New York had crazy traffic–to a temple or some such place, point me in a direction, then disappear. I would forget the time, walk and wander (and wonder), and then when I came back to the vicinity, he would spot me and be at my side.

(Superlative couple of days. Will post much more, as soon as I find a way to charge my laptop battery with 220 Bangkok volts. Just know this: the Emerald Buddha is a fake, he’s made of jade!)

Sweet, I did get the boat ride! (Yes, Ai got me my own personal boat driver) The "River lady" sold me a couple Thai lagers. So perfect, on a 36 degree Bangkok day. (Bought one for the boat driver, he thanked me and bowed profusely.)