MURRAY'S LENS SNAPS GREAT PHOTO AT DEMO

Congratulations to Province photographer Jon Murray for his photograph of
the Chinatown merchants with their private army at the anti-drug march on
Saturday.

This is surely one of the ugliest sights ever seen on the streets of Vancouver.

How poignant that on the same day we should be mourning a Canadian who once
believed in a just and compassionate society. There are intelligent
solutions to the devastation of poverty and addiction in our Downtown
Eastside, but they require justice, compassion and leadership.

However, all such efforts require community participation and co-operation.

The mercenary hysteria being drummed up in this area is for the political
and financial gain of a few. It would be tragic if these loud, squeaky
wheels alter the will of our politicians and decision-makers and ruin
current efforts at improving the quality of life of all of our citizens.

S. Richter, Vancouver