An opportunity to practise what is preached

By Letter to the Editor on August 27, 2020.

Since the SCS in Lethbridge will no longer be funded by the provincial government, I have been racking my brain as to what we might do as a city to support the homeless drug addicts.

As I see it, we are in two camps. There are those like myself that want those addicted to illegal drugs to get help through rehabilitation, become clean and sober or, if unable, be removed from our city streets. The other camp wants to support and enable the drug addicts so they can continue to use whatever drugs they wish to partake in, until they are “ready” to get help.

I remember when I took part in the protest in front of city hall that there also were two camps. The supporters of the SCS had quite a turnout so here is my solution. Those who feel that the drug addicts are doing no harm, are just misunderstood, feel that none of their problems are their fault and they should be able to indulge in any illegal substance they wish, can sign up to support a drug addict. They could provide their special sponsored drug addict a home, meals, needles, support and naloxone when needed. I’m sure that the good people of Lethbridge would be willing to let some of our tax dollars be used to help them with this “feel good” project.

Now, some of you may use an excuse like, “My place is too small.” Nope, that won’t cut it. Remember, even a small place is better than living on the street. “I have a job and young kids,” someone may say. No excuse there. This is actually a win-win. You can go to work and let your “special friend” babysit your young ones at no cost! After all, these drug addicts are totally harmless.

I would also like to see a couple of people on the city council step up to the plate and lead by example. I would like to suggest that Mayor Chris Spearman and Coun. Rob Miyashiro both move a drug addict into their homes, as they both have been super supporters of the SCS and feel that enabling drug addicts actually saves lives.

Now all the supporters of the SCS can practise what they preach and show all us other disgusting human beings how wrong we have been not wanting drug addicts running freely through our city.

Doug Cameron

Lethbridge