YOUR LIFESTYLE OR YOUR LIFE: THE CHOICE IS UP TO YOU

Editor, The News:

The issue of auto theft (pan-handling, prostitution, drug dealing,
etc.) is about how our society deals realistically and humanely with
poverty, organized crime and prohibition of illegal substances.

The average age of an auto thief is 28 and cars are being stolen to
conduct other crimes.

I would say that almost all of these crimes are related to
drugs.

In the short term, if we want to eradicate crime and poverty in B.C.,
we should look at decriminalizing drugs and, in essence, using the
four-pillars approach. All research points out that all crime rates
will be reduced. It will not eradicate the drug problem.

In the long term, education programs targeting the neediest of our
society and fairer distribution of wealth will positively diminish it
even further.

Criminals who need their fix will either die or find ways to deter
them from dying.

If it is not your car, it is going to be your home, your car, your
children, your friends or yourself.

How many more accidents will it take for people to get it? How many
more robberies or murders will it take?

No, the solution is not to put criminals in jails. And, no, the
solution is not religion (because even religious people abuse drugs).

And, no, the solution is not more clubs, alarms and car-bait
programs.

The solution is preventing most people from going there in the first
place, by educating or helping them, not punishing them.

I say "most" because realistically, it is not likely that we will ever
get rid of prostitution, drugs, greed and auto accidents unless we
address the issue of poor distribution of wealth and educate people to
live healthy and balanced lives.

You want to drive your status symbol instead of paying a little more
in taxes (actually, big, wealthy corporations are really the ones who
should, but the Liberals (and the Conservatives) here and in Ottawa
give tax breaks to them, so . . .)?

You want the "nicest" marble bathroom, the "nicest" yard and the
"nicest" house?

You want to continue watching your entertaining movies and TV
programs, instead of being politically active?

Then, prepare to continue living in fear that your children, your
spouse, your friends or yourself may eventually be a victim.

Peter Oliver

Abbotsford