WE ARE NOT ALL THAT DIFFERENT FROM EACH OTHER

It is most unfortunate that the alleged acts of vandalism have
occurred against Bryce Rositch, former head of Community Alliance
(Citing harassment, activist calls it quits, Dec. 21). However, Mr.
Rositch represents the old way of dealing with problems when they
occur in predominantly low-income communities.

Just how out of touch Mr. Rositch and his associates are is
exemplified by Mayor Philip Owen's recent leadership role in
spearheading positive and progressive change in the Downtown Eastside.
Mayor Owen knows that the millions upon millions of public dollars
spent in futile enforcement initiatives exacerbates, rather than
solves, many of the community's problems.

One must always wonder at the surprise gentrifiers show, such as those
in the Downtown Eastside and Yaletown, when their calls for draconian
measures against their neighbourhood's less well-off members are
vehemently opposed.

One hopes that in the new year Mr. Rositch, and those who share his
views, will find room in their hearts to embrace all people in their
respective communities whatever their income, whatever their ills.
After all, apart from a slight turn of fate or the amount in a pocket
book, we are not all that different from each other.

Blaire Petrie,
Vancouver