Pubdate: Wed, 09 Jul 2008
Source: Richmond Review, The (CN BC)
Copyright: 2008 Richmond Public Library
Contact:  http://www.richmondreview.com/
Details: http://www.mapinc.org/media/704
Author: Fred Ursel

COMPASSION IS LOST

Editor:

When Turning Point applied to establish a recovery home on Odlin Road 
(in 2000) the opposition was intense.

Reasons offered for opposing this project were hilarious, if it 
weren't for being so sadly misinformed and misguided. Then and now 
people were led by uninformed individuals enticing people to believe 
that having a treatment center in their area will certainly result in crime.

Turning Point was eventually allowed to proceed with the project. The 
crime never came. Turning Point became a good neighbour-a fact which 
to this day is not acknowledged in Richmond and in the Odlin Road 
neighbourhood.

Politicians cater to whoever is providing the most votes in the next 
election. It is sad and disturbing when an affluent city turns its 
back on the vulnerable in its midst. Compassion, kindness and 
understanding seem to be totally lost. What a sad statement for a 
city I so dearly love.

Fred Ursel Abbotsford, former Richmondite
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MAP posted-by: Keith Brilhart