Pubdate: Sat, 01 Feb 2003
Source: Vancouver Sun (CN BC)
Copyright: 2003 The Vancouver Sun
Contact:  http://www.canada.com/vancouver/vancouversun/
Details: http://www.mapinc.org/media/477
Author: Patti Milsom

AT THIS RATE, CRIMINALS WILL ALWAYS BE A STEP AHEAD

No amount of preventive measures -- such as bars on windows, alarm systems, 
fanny packs, "the club", locks, bolts, Block Watch, outdoor lights and 
removing shrubs and hedges -- will stop car thieves, muggers and home 
invaders (Intruders attack women in Surrey, West Vancouver, Jan. 31).

As long as drug addicts are given carte blanche to commit crimes with no 
consequences, crime will continue to climb.

The "war on drugs" is no longer a metaphor, it's real. Fear and frustration 
have become the norm. Communities have been defeated and beaten by a small 
percentage of the population whose greatest weapon is political 
correctness. The Charles Dickens' approach that the addicted are a result 
of a greedy and uncaring society is false. Millions have been spent to help 
marginalized and addicted communities and, for at least the last 15 years, 
schools have saturated students with education about drugs. Countless 
numbers of people have extended helping hands only to be taken advantage of 
and abused. I know: I offered a helping hand.

Why do people continue to commit crimes to poison their bodies? Because 
they want to and we let them. The desperation of criminals will adapt to 
any increased level of security and police officers will continue to 
protest with a shield that has no sword. Batten down the hatches, it's 
going to be a very long war.

Patti Milsom

Vancouver
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MAP posted-by: Beth