Pubdate: Thu, 12 Apr 2007 Source: StarPhoenix, The (CN SN) Copyright: 2007 The StarPhoenix Contact: http://www.canada.com/saskatoonstarphoenix/letters.html Website: http://www.canada.com/saskatoonstarphoenix/ Details: http://www.mapinc.org/media/400 Referenced: http://www.mapinc.org/drugnews/v07/n416/a05.html Author: Randy W. Klingenberg CHRISTIAN PARENTS' OPPOSITION TO YOUTH DETOX CENTRE ABSURD Re: School parents group opposes location of youth detox centre (SP, March 29). I cannot believe that a group of Christians would be part of a "not in my backyard" group. For these parents to oppose a treatment center for youth who've lost their way and are attempting to better their lives just because the proposed location is next to their precious private school is ridiculous and hypocritical. I was raised in a religious family and was taught always to "love thy neighbour as thyself." The parents are afraid the detox center will bring an "unwanted element" to their location and their children will be exposed to drugs. It's laughable. I am sure that a detox centre would be rigorously policed for this sort of thing. If these parents want to raise their children in a sterile and completely safe environment, they are sadly deluded. Their children are in for a rude awakening when they graduate to the real world. All around us we see church youth groups going to South America and other Third World countries to help the less fortunate and to spread their faith. Yet, somehow we cannot help the less fortunate in our own backyard. How Christian is that? These people need to rethink their position and the bad publicity it is causing for the entire Christian community. I have lived for 15 years and raised a family within a mile of Yarrow Youth Farm and Red Willow Treatment Centre and no-one is any worse for it. If there were a proposal to expand Red Willow to include a teen detox centre, I'd welcome it. At least the clients there are trying to make their lives better. RANDY W. KLINGENBERG Saskatoon - --- MAP posted-by: Steve Heath