Pubdate: Fri, 21 Oct 2016
Source: Abbotsford News (CN BC)
Copyright: 2016 Abbotsford News
Contact:  http://www.abbynews.com/
Details: http://www.mapinc.org/media/1155
Author: Frank Wirrell

LACKING WILLINGNESS TO WORK OR GIVE UP DRUGS

I have noted the letters with respect to the so-called homelessness
problem, and from my observations the problem is basically the lack of
any willingness on the part of the majority of these "homeless" to
make any real effort to work or give up their drug and/or alcohol addiction.

Their only expectation is that the rest of us will continue to fund
their wishes. This is clearly proven by the condition in which they
have left the properties where they were camping. In past generations,
there was what was called "relief," which meant that those seeking
assistance did some work in exchange for assistance. The positive
aspect is clear as they learned self-respect in addition to realizing
the rest of society was not responsible for maintaining their lifestyle.

Many champions of their cause have been, and may well continue to be,
in the drug business and are more than willing to accept what is in
essence public money in exchange for said drugs. You can witness the
number of persons who smoke heavily around the food bank and yet
continue to expect the rest of us to fund their nicotine habit by
providing donations to the food bank.

The attitude of the Pivot Legal Society is nothing less than
disgusting. They seem to want to drain taxpayers and encourage the
so-called homeless rather than directing these people to find and
accept work.

There is no question that more needs to be done, but this requires
cooperation and work on both sides. The time is now for the homeless
to cease simply standing by with their hands held out, but to seek
honest treatment to overcome their addictions and do some honest work,
thus making themselves positive members of society.

The same applies to drug addicts. Instead of providing more so-called
safe injection sites, addicts should be forced, if necessary, into
treatment centres. Further, drug dealers should receive a minimum of
10 years without parole with all assets they might have being
forfeited to the Crown.

Frank Wirrell
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MAP posted-by: Matt