HEADLINE DISMAYS READER

The Editor,

While I am sad that this has happened to Gary Robinson, it dismays me to
see such a headline. It's almost as if you are saying this is a rare case.

That isn't so. This is what is happening every day to families all over.
Same story line, different stretch. It just hits the headlines because he
was a public figure.

Every day families are faced with heartbreak over daughters prostituting
themselves and sons both pimping and selling drugs.

Until this government does a reality check and takes control of situations
such as this, it will continue.

Our elected officials need to take control, put some services in that are
run by the government, remove the riff-raff who try to take advantage of
the addict and have some firm guidelines with adequate funding. Get some
education and prevention programs out there for both our schools and
parents and stiffer penalties for the dealer. The fine should match the crime.

Studies have shown that $1 spent on prevention is worth $12 saved on
policing and health-care costs.

Christine Eden, South Surrey