Pubdate: Mon, 08 May 2006
Source: Vancouver Sun (CN BC)
Copyright: 2006 The Vancouver Sun
Contact:  http://www.canada.com/vancouver/vancouversun/
Details: http://www.mapinc.org/media/477
Author: Anna Elphinstone

PEOPLE WITHOUT A VOICE NEED HELP, NOT CRITICISM

I'm sick and tired of complaints about panhandlers, drug addicts and 
the homeless on our streets. I've had enough of hearing about the 
inconvenience, the mess, the trauma and the embarrassment they cause 
for our citizens and our tourists.

It's time we placed the blame where it belongs. It belongs in the lap 
of our provincial government, which does not provide adequate 
services and housing for people with mental health problems. It 
belongs in the lap of the provincial government welfare system, which 
is punitive and forces unemployable people onto the streets -- people 
who a few years ago were offered medical services and extra grants, 
which made life possible outside of begging in the streets.

Let's stop complaining and start demanding that something be done for 
those who have no voice. We will all benefit in the end.

Anna Elphinstone

Halfmoon Bay
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MAP posted-by: Beth Wehrman