IF WE HAVE TO CARE FOR ADDICTS, AT LEAST MOVE THEM ALONG

How sad for the addicts in Vancouver (and their families) that they
made poor choices in their lives. And how sad for those in mainstream
society who are paying now for addicts' treatments, incarceration,
welfare and other costs.

Think about the more needy members of mainstream society like working
singles, and families trying to do their best for their children and
themselves. Many of those working folks are struggling with
low-paying jobs and some with multiple jobs. Yet we are denying them
the financial support they need in preference to the addicts' needs.
To add insult to injury, these hard-working folks will be paying
taxes, directly or indirectly, to finance the addicts' treatment.

International studies show there is no effective solution, just at
best some containment during an addict's sorry lifetime.

If we have to support addicts, I'd rather have them in a custodially
secured but caring environment where their medical needs can be
supervised, well away from Vancouver. Why have the addicts roaming
around the main streets and alleyways of East Vancouver and their
other current favourite locales?

Gerard Lain

Vancouver