To the editor,
There is much being said about people experiencing homelessness encamped on streets and alleyways, in parks and woodlots and just about any place they can find. But it is what is being said by many that is most disturbing to any truly civilized human being.
Sure, many use drugs. Drug use and abuse, legitimate and illegitimate, has long been a part of human behaviour. Nothing new there. But it is the poor and homeless who get vilified for using illicit drugs, not the homeowners who can do drugs out of sight and mind of those who scorn them.
I suspect much of that street drug use is just an accessible means of escaping the misery of their lives, and it is simply bigotry that vilifies these unfortunates while ignoring and condoning the illicit drugs of those with money and who make the trade a multimillion-dollar business.
Nor is it surprising that some people who are homeless turn to theft. After all, human beings are hunters and gathers and it is in our nature to sustain ourselves any way we can. Why care about ‘societal’ rules and laws when that same society abandons its most vulnerable citizens to the mean streets and then shames them for being homeless and vulnerable while living on the streets.
As for any violence by people experiencing homelessness, it is no different than the violence and belligerence experienced and expressed by the homed every day and in every community – but they can hide inside and behind their status as ‘responsible’ citizens.
If Canada was truly a civilized nation, and if its taxpaying citizens were truly civil themselves, there would be no homelessness but that is a thing that most Canadians refuse to look at.
William Clegg, Gabriola Island
LETTER TO THE EDITOR: Latest homelessness count shows approach isn’t working
To the editor,
I was so saddened to read the obituary of a man who died alone of a poisonous drug supply in a tent with no food or water. My heart goes out to the family and friends.
No child wishes to grow up homeless and addicted to drugs. I wish the families of people who live on the streets would form an organization as Mothers Against Drunk Drivers did to lobby for changes.
For example, people experiencing homelessness are continually being fined and their belongings taken away. Bylaw infractions and fines are an ineffective way to address poverty.
Judith White, Nanaimo
LETTER TO THE EDITOR: Help with homelessness via action, compassion
To the editor,
Re: Help with homelessness via action, compassion, Letters, May 1.
To use the writer’s words, I too am shocked to read the data compiled by and for non-profit groups that exist because of those living a miserable existence on our streets. Handing out a sandwich, water or blanket only helps for a few hours, then the groups repeat the never-ending process, which only continues the affliction cycle. What is needed is for governments (taxpayers) not to fund all these groups and to actually use the B.C. Mental Health Act to place the broken, addicted, lost souls into involuntary care for their ultimate care and for their progression to better lives. It is only then when the rehabilitation process from drug abuse or mental illness can finally really heal and accomplish what is needed.
Jamie Wentworth, Nanaimo
READ ALSO: Count shows more people experiencing homelessness than ever in Nanaimo
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 Media 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
