TOUGH LOVE NEEDED

Thank you for your thoughtful and insightful article.

I live in the West End and, for me, this comes down to the word "poor."

Vancouver Mayor Larry Campbell chastises any attempt to clean up this mess,
accusing those that try, such as MLA Lorne Mayencourt, of being a "menace
to the city."

He asks why we can't be more compassionate, more sensitive toward the poor.
That view sends me into orbit.

Of course, there is compassion for the needy. Of course, the citizens of
Vancouver want to assist the disadvantaged.

But how do I help an addict? How?

An open drug culture exists because it's allowed to. This group of homeless
addicts have been endorsed by our mayor as poor and are therefore untouchable.

We need to separate the homeless population, help those who want aid and
penalize those who prefer the status quo and continue to break the law.

We need tough love.

It is time to put this city into the hands of a leader who is fair but
firm. I love this city and hate seeing what is happening to it. It's
getting dirtier, and it seems more lawless.

It is time to get it back for all of the citizens who want to feel safe and
proud again.

Holly MacDonald

Vancouver