Pubdate: Tue, 26 Dec 2000 Source: Vancouver Sun (CN BC) Copyright: The Vancouver Sun 2000 Contact: 200 Granville Street, Ste.#1, Vancouver BC V6C 3N3 Fax: (604) 605-2323 Website: http://www.vancouversun.com/ Author: Blaire Petrie Note: Headline by newshawk Referenced: http://www.mapinc.org/drugnews/v00/n1909/a10.html Related: Series - http://www.mapinc.org/thefix.htm WE ARE NOT ALL THAT DIFFERENT FROM EACH OTHER It is most unfortunate that the alleged acts of vandalism have occurred against Bryce Rositch, former head of Community Alliance (Citing harassment, activist calls it quits, Dec. 21). However, Mr. Rositch represents the old way of dealing with problems when they occur in predominantly low-income communities. Just how out of touch Mr. Rositch and his associates are is exemplified by Mayor Philip Owen's recent leadership role in spearheading positive and progressive change in the Downtown Eastside. Mayor Owen knows that the millions upon millions of public dollars spent in futile enforcement initiatives exacerbates, rather than solves, many of the community's problems. One must always wonder at the surprise gentrifiers show, such as those in the Downtown Eastside and Yaletown, when their calls for draconian measures against their neighbourhood's less well-off members are vehemently opposed. One hopes that in the new year Mr. Rositch, and those who share his views, will find room in their hearts to embrace all people in their respective communities whatever their income, whatever their ills. After all, apart from a slight turn of fate or the amount in a pocket book, we are not all that different from each other. Blaire Petrie, Vancouver - --- MAP posted-by: Richard Lake