Re: Draper “disappointed” by comments, Aug. 20.
The degrading comments against the Abbotsford Police by executive director of 5 and 2 Ministries, Ward Draper, are not appreciated.
Draper should direct his valuable concerns for the homeless to the provincial government where they belong. Everyone knows how that there was a drastic increase in homelessness when the Government closed down the Riverview Hospital, near Vancouver, some time ago.
Harsh reality is that many of the homeless should be in a care home simply because they are unable to live on their own due to their mental state of mind.
All the police are doing is upholding the law. I just wonder how fast Draper would call for policing assistance if these homeless decided to set up camp in his front yard? Why should municipal property be treated differently?
I cannot count the many parents, family and friends who have tried everything possible to try get their loved one off the street, to no avail.
I am convinced that enabling them to stay on the streets is not the way to go. Building housing in the framework where proper physical and mental care is addressed is the way of true compassion. Perhaps citizens should ban together to bring that idea to fruition sooner than later.
Belittling those who uphold the law is arrogant indeed. We just happen to be proud of our police officers for an overall job well done.
Gertie Pool
Abbotsford
