CHRISTIAN PARENTS' OPPOSITION TO YOUTH DETOX CENTRE
ABSURD

Re: School parents group opposes location of youth detox centre (SP, March
29). I cannot believe that a group of Christians would be part of a "not in
my backyard" group.

For these parents to oppose a treatment center for youth who've lost
their way and are attempting to better their lives just because the
proposed location is next to their precious private school is
ridiculous and hypocritical.

I was raised in a religious family and was taught always to "love thy
neighbour as thyself."

The parents are afraid the detox center will bring an "unwanted
element" to their location and their children will be exposed to
drugs. It's laughable. I am sure that a detox centre would be
rigorously policed for this sort of thing.

If these parents want to raise their children in a sterile and
completely safe environment, they are sadly deluded. Their children
are in for a rude awakening when they graduate to the real world.

All around us we see church youth groups going to South America and
other Third World countries to help the less fortunate and to spread
their faith. Yet, somehow we cannot help the less fortunate in our own
backyard. How Christian is that?

These people need to rethink their position and the bad publicity it
is causing for the entire Christian community.

I have lived for 15 years and raised a family within a mile of Yarrow
Youth Farm and Red Willow Treatment Centre and no-one is any worse for
it.

If there were a proposal to expand Red Willow to include a teen detox
centre, I'd welcome it. At least the clients there are trying to make
their lives better.

RANDY W. KLINGENBERG

Saskatoon