Pill testing giving the 'OK' is not the answer

If testing happens we are taking an illegal substance into a public arena, getting it cleared to consume, then off we go.

Debate is raging over pill testing at music festivals. Picture: Contributed

I HAVE read, listened and followed all media reporting of this terrible, terrible situation (Two dead in tragedy at festival, Daily, April 23).

My sympathies to all people involved in such a tragedy.

It goes without saying it is not a parent's role to bury their children, but too often this happens.

Having read Matty Holdsworth's column (Daily, April 24), I have thought long and hard about a prudent response.

Drugs kill - fact.

They are illegal - fact.

For every action there is a consequence.

If testing happens we are taking an illegal substance into a public arena, getting it cleared to consume, then off we go. If we die, someone must take responsibility for their actions.

Is it the seller or user?

Because it can't be the tester.

Matty, you mention having sat in courts and listened to judges barrel "pill poppers” about the dangers of drugs.

We need to stop them being in the courts.

My three girls, now all in their mid twenties, went through school being hammered regarding the dangers of drugs. Sadly for some of their peers it didn't work, but mostly it did.

I listened recently to the results of a Canberra event where out of about 11,000 people 80 odd tests were carried out.

Maybe a more pragmatic approach of starting from home and school would work to try and counsel our family that drugs kill.

There is no perfect solution but I believe testing illegal drugs to say "OK, consume them” is not the answer.

JOHN HANDLEY

Mooloolaba

Originally published as Pill testing giving the 'OK' is not the answer