LETTER – Looking at the social pressure gauges for answers to vandalism

Re: EDITORIAL – Do we have to build cages around the nice things in our city?

You are looking at the social pressure gauge that tells us how the people of the country are doing.

First, people go to school. Not every one is successful. Many children don’t have a story book upbringing. What does society offer them?

Second, how do youth fit into the community? Sure, if you have affluent and dedicated parents they can participate in sports and activities. Where do youth go if this is not the case?

Third, employment is a tough go if you are already two strikes out. Employers can’t hire people from the back alley side of the business. Institutions like Work Safe BC, Revenue Canada block employers.

I remember Kamloops in the 1960s. Hippies and bums were sleeping in Riverside Park. employers were desperate for workers and heroin was everywhere. Wages started to climb and taxes were low, families prospered. Parents had time and money too take their kids to hockey and soccer.

Looking beyond vandalism. It’s like saying what’s wrong with the pressure gauge when the boiler is going to blow!

STEW STANKIEWICZ