Editor, The News:
Re: ‘This should not be happening in our own back yard.’
P. Tochkin was right when saying “transferring the problems from one area to the other is not the answer.” This is nearly the only statement I can render adequate on such a misinformed letter.
First of all, I would argue that the modular homes should definitely be near transit and malls. As I am a young working man, I struggle to make car and insurance payments myself; if we want someone to get back on their feet, and get to work, as P. Tochkin claims to be a priority (as I do), we must ensure that modes of transit and services are reasonably close by.
And, another quick note, statistically speaking, there is far more ‘pilfering’ done from adolescent’s than from the homeless.
As I could pick apart the letter in more detail, I choose to leave on this note, as my comment on adolescence reminds me of what is most important: our children are growing up in a complex world, one in which moralities are up in the air, political views are more rebellious than conforming, and the Canadian patriot is nowhere to be seen.
And placed within the midst, they watch as their hometown divides, hate-speech reigns, and selfish living praised. And we critique, criticize, and mock, emerging still with a people unwanted and a leadership under-equipped.
The City of Maple Ridge (along with Canada, respectively), has been placed in a difficult position. There is no simple solution to the problems at hand. Everyone has an opinion, and the lack of action shows the magnitude on division.
But actions must be made. And no matter what, people will object. Let’s get some intelligent leadership in place, people who are willing to act on the issues at hand, instead of playing political games, wasting years and hundreds of thousands, if not millions of dollars, on wages given to politicians who have no will to act.
Nathan Sands
Maple Ridge