EVERYONE IS VULNERABLE

The Editor,

Re: "Women need Turning Point," News, July 11.

I would like to comment on Tracy Sherlock's article on Turning Point.
I wholeheartedly agree with her. Women from all walks of life need a
facility in Richmond to go to that will allow them to recover and,
return to being loving parents and/or productive members of society,
as well as happy, healthy individuals.

I would like to respond to the woman who she quoted in her article
because, apparently, there are many in Richmond who think just like
her. The mom opponent in the article is obviously burying her head in
the sand. In particular, young children should never be left to play
at a playground alone, anywhere!

Opposition to Turning Point is a mere scapegoat for lack of parental
supervision in this case. It doesn't matter which park or playground
children are in, they need to be supervised; the problems are not with
the recovering addicts, but with other members of society that
children fall prey to.

I guess this Mom's life is perfect; everyone in her family is healthy
and happy and has never had any kind of problems such as illness,
school, work, etc. No one in her family has ever had to ask for help
for any reason.

They're so healthy that they don't even have to go to the doctor by
the sounds of things. Well, I personally know of no such family. As a
mom and a grandma, I firmly believe that if you never have to ask for
help from people outside your family, such as friends or community
services, then you are probably walking around with blinders on. I
strongly suspect that many who voted against the Turning Point project
will experience some kind of tragedy or heartache related to drug
addiction. Be careful -- it could sneak up on you when you least expect it.

Hypocrisy is nothing to be proud of. If, however, you manage to live
life without experiencing any drug-related hurdles then,
congratulations! Best of luck to you on your journey called life. May
reality never touch you. The rest of us will maintain and contribute
support for those who need it.

Carol Ingram

Richmond