READER BERATES THE LOSS OF B.A.D. DUE TO INDIFFERENCE

To the editor;

I am writing this letter in response to a telephone message I received
today regarding the Barriere Against Drugs (B.A.D.) group.

About two years ago I was very much involved with B.A.D. and spent
countless hours, blood, sweat and tears getting this community
educated and aware of our drug issues.

Our goal was to bridge the gaps between the different levels of drug
recovery and to provide support to our citizens.

I put my heart and my soul into this project. I put my own name and
reputation on the line when I accepted the role as media liaison and
used my own experiences as a recovering addict to reach out to our
community.

I asked for no recognition or acclaim -- only that others would get
involved as well.

What I have found in the past couple of years is that Barriere is in
fact not against drugs. Barriere is a compliant and tolerant community
for drug abuse to thrive in. Barriere's economic and social structure
fails to recognize all our citizens -- as a result the gaps between we
as a community currently have no chance to bridge.

Perhaps after incorporation, perhaps after we start accepting some of
the ideas and concepts our newer citizens have to offer, perhaps when
we stop turning a blind eye to the crack house that operated for over
a year right behind the Volunteer House, perhaps when some of our tips
and information are used to actually put some of our local dealers
away for more than a weekend -- then I will support a community group
such as Barriere Against Drugs.

However, until Barriere finally gets with the program I will continue
to take my meetings in Clearwater or Kamloops.

I do not wish to be associated with the title "Barriere Against
Drugs," as it does not exist except in the hearts of a few of us who
wanted to make a difference in a community that is
indifferent.

TRINA HOBSON

Barriere