ESCAPING THEIR PAIN

I work two jobs in downtown Eugene, which has me spend a lot of time on the
Broadway mall. I'm appalled at the harassment of youth by police I see
there almost daily. People are frequently hassled and fined for hanging
out. I'm told this is because of the "big drug trafficking problem" in the
area. News flash: people get high to escape their pain. Harassing and
intimidating them is giving them more pain to escape.

Maybe these kids need something to do. Next time we're asked to vote for
more dollars for more police, perhaps instead we could use that money to
open a recreation center on the mall, or support a free arts program.
People have been getting high since the beginning of time and will continue
to. I urge the Eugene community and police to rethink youth relations. From
what I see today, you're creating enemies. Try making friends.

Kai Ariel

Eugene