ELITISM CORRUPTS COMMUNITY

Editor;

I appreciate the editor's "thumb's down" (Peace Arch News, Dec. 8)
regarding those opposing the Launching Pad.

I have a concern regarding a petition circulated in the neighbourhood. One
neighbour had the petitioner describe the Launching Pad as a rehabilitation
home, not a recovery home. As my friend questioned her, she realized the
petitioner did not know the difference. My friend refused to sign.

Others had a petitioner speak the following phases: "there will be needles
on the street"; "our children are not safe"; "they will take drugs."

They signed the petition. Who would not, given that information? Since
then, they have all become better informed and some have visited the
Launching Pad. All have now phoned Surrey Council in support of this
recovery home. I question the credibility of the petition given the
misinformation.

Another concern is an attitude at the meeting at South Meridian School. I
was alarmed at the tone. Several people suggested this recovery home should
go back to Aldergrove, move to Newton or Whalley. This was followed by
significant applause. A retired principal stated if there was one child at
risk then this facility should not be allowed.

I am puzzled because when I was growing up in White Rock, one of my
teachers was an alcoholic. Two of my friends' mothers were alcoholics. As a
community we never ostracized them or pressured them to move out of town.
Why are members of my community so fearful of those who no longer take
drugs or alcohol?

In White Rock/South Surrey there are 37 Alcoholics Anonymous meetings a
week. One group consistently hosts almost 100 members.

At one of our health care facilities, a nurse counsels seniors on their
addictions. Her caseload has increased 65 per cent since 1997. At this same
facility a Narcotics Anonymous group meets weekly. They have 50 members.
Where do you think these people go after their meetings? They return to
their homes in our neighbourhoods. They do not commute to Whalley or
Newton. The numbers do not even take into account those who have not yet
addressed their addictions. What is the position on the grandmother who has
been an alcoholic for 30 years and shows no signs of changing? What about a
son who is struggling with cocaine? I had a young mother phone me two weeks
ago. Her children go to South Meridian School. What will our community's
response be to her and her family if she ever shares her past?

White Rock and South Surrey continue to be a great place to raise children.
I am grateful my father chose to start his dental practice here. We moved
here in 1952 and it was wonderful to grow up, marry and raise our sons
here. The addiction problems were present then and continue to be.

No community is immune. I trust most of my neighbours will not be unduly
influenced by misplaced fears, harmful judgments and the elitism verbalized
by some of our community members.

Sue Hodson