To the editor,
Re: When asking for safety, ask for safety for all of us, Opinion, Oct. 5.
We do not have a homeless problem, we have an enabling problem. Governments are handing out free drug paraphernalia like candy. Drug substitutes too. In some cases the real stuff. We are being trained to turn a blind eye to public drug use that is causing decay in our community. We frown upon drinking alcohol but champion drug use? There is indeed a systemic problem telling drug users and their supporters everything they’re doing is OK. It is not OK and it is definitely not an excuse to commit crimes.
None of what is being done now is progressive or compassionate. All the pampering is not helping and is very inhumane. It’s making matters so bad that most of us are now afraid to leave our homes.
Jen Darwin, Nanaimo
LETTER TO THE EDITOR: Prolific offender report is a start, now implement it
To the editor,
Re: When asking for safety, ask for safety for all of us, Opinion, Oct. 5.
The op-ed writer obviously did not attend the safety rally nor read what all stated – we want safety for all.
But those who champion drug injection sites are off their rockers. No common sense whatsoever that when you offer more services to those who are drug addicted and mentally ill it just keeps them where they are and sadly where they will likely die, harming others in the process.
Homeless camps in Los Angeles and those who live on the street are now directly responsible for 55 per cent of the fires occurring in that city, says the L.A. Fire Department. In Vancouver, the police chief says crime continues to be prevalent around the tent encampment on Hastings Street, the area the fire chief has ordered removed but which not-so-helpful organizations go to court and demand the chaos continues.
Right now governments must step in and get those off the street with mandatory laws. Get them off drugs or at least keep us and them safe. And get those off the streets and behind bars who shoplift by the dozens and punch and kick employees and shoppers, those who attack and kill and are on the government’s repeat offender treadmills.
Walter J. Mersh, Nanaimo
LETTER TO THE EDITOR: Crimes mustn’t go unpunished
To the editor,
The city of Nanaimo says there are 600 to 800 people living on our streets. With the money being spent in our province and country on this non-profit and that government agency to fix this ever-multiplying problem the results are in; they’re obviously failing. An audit of all the money governments are spending must be done and people must be fired. No outfit in the world can be left to spend and go unchecked, especially with the crime and fire problems dramatically increasing in our cities.
This is not a housing crisis. This is a crisis of drug addiction, mental illness and criminal behaviour.
M.G. Renauld, Nanaimo
READ ALSO: Citizens rally in downtown Nanaimo to demand action to restore public safety
The views and opinions expressed in this letter to the editor are those of the writer and do not reflect the views of Black Press or the Nanaimo News Bulletin.
Letters policy: Letters should be no longer than 250 words and will be edited. Preference is given to letters expressing an opinion on issues of local relevance or responding to items published in the News Bulletin. Include your address (it won’t be published) and a first name or two initials, and a surname. Unsigned letters will not be published.
Mail: Letters, Nanaimo News Bulletin, 777 Poplar St., Nanaimo, B.C. V9S 2H7
Fax: 250-753-0788
E-mail: editor@nanaimobulletin.com