Pubdate: Wed, 16 Aug 2006
Source: Golden Star (CN BC)
Copyright: 2006 The Golden Star
Contact:  http://www.thegoldenstar.net/
Details: http://www.mapinc.org/media/2144
Author: Annette Code

ENGLAND SHOULD KNOW ABOUT MEAN STREETS

Dear Editor,

Re: Go west, young criminal (B.C. Views, Aug. 2).

Tom Fletcher thanks the British magazine The Economist for giving 
Vancouver a black eye over its street crime. Vancouver is no worse 
than any city its size anywhere in the world, and The Economist 
should look closer to home.

Returning to England with an adult's eyes after 26 years I was 
immediately assaulted by the incredible amount of graffiti and 
garbage. I understand the garbage in train stations - a bomb safety 
issue - but it is incredible when found in hedgerows all over the 
country. Panhandlers are rife in the underground passageways begging 
for handouts and on the tube itself. How can a person who needs money 
afford the ticket?

I would suggest that when going downtown to a show, take McDonald's 
and Tim Horton's gift certificates to give instead of cash, although 
entreprenurial beggars/addicts can probably find a way to exchange 
them for drugs, too.

Speaking of drugs, on my arrival by train to Brighton in the UK, 
sitting on a bench on the promenade soaking up the first sun in days, 
I watched a drug dealer for the good part of an hour plying his 
trade. I would like to see drug-free cities too but the reality is it 
is everywhere, and I find Tom Fletcher's 'glee' in Vancouver 
receiving a black eye rather awful.

No need for ex-pat Brits to take offence to my criticism of the UK, 
as I love it as much as my adopted country of Canada.

Annette Code

Pitt Meadows
- ---
MAP posted-by: Beth Wehrman