COMMUNITY IS STRONGER THAN VIOLENCE

This is an open letter to all the residents of Whitehorse and the
surrounding communities.

There has been a lot of coverage lately on the violence surrounding
the drug activity and certain people involved as of late.

There has been a group of Yukoners who have together to stand up and
try to put an end to the violence.

Many things have been said and have been written about the going on as of late.

Stories get exaggerated and sometimes the truth can be twisted.

I was there, at the park on Wednesday night when a bunch of people
came together to try and bring some sort of peace back to the community.

There were people of all races, backgrounds and beliefs.

There were people who grew up here, parents who want their children
to grow up in peace and people who had just moved here.

This made me proud to be a Yukoner.

The individuals behind a lot of the violence are dangerous and
showing up was a big risk for many of the people involved.

They have simply reached a point where they have said enough is enough.

It used to be safe to go out to dances and the bars, but now many
people do not because they are scared.

In spite of rumours going around, we just want the violence to end.
Whitehorse is not the set of Goodfellows where certain people can do
whatever they want with no repercussions. For every action there is
an equal and opposite reaction.

Some of you may read this, pause to reflect, and then go about your day.

The time has come to take a stand for our community. I have talked
with many people who have only been in the Yukon a short time but
have seen how bad things have become and were willing to do whatever
it takes to make the streets safe.

Drugs will always be around, but open violence and brutality do not
need to be around.

This is an open invitation to all the media, church pastors,
government leaders, community volunteers and citizens to join us at
Rotary Peace Park in the early afternoon on Saturday, July 29 for a
peaceful gathering.

There is no leader, just people who want peace and will do whatever
it takes to get that peace back.

We need support. The people we are up against are tough, but they
cannot match a community that has banded together because that is
stronger than any weapon.

We will all be gathering in the park Saturday afternoon to show
support for one another and for our community and our families.

Let's make it a big barbecue and real community event. There is
strength in numbers. No longer can we sit idly by and watch our town
go to Hell.

So here's to peace and seeing everyone come out Saturday. Just having
you there tanning, or throwing a Frisbee or walking your dog will
show these people we mean business and we are something stronger than
any weapon, a community.

Name withheld by request

Whitehorse