We're the alternative

Page 6

Robbery, assault, prostitution, drug trafficking, murder - it has all the makings of a Quinten Tarrantino movie and is fodder for television's cop shows. But this isn't entertainment. It's the reality of life on the streets for our children.

If you think this is a big-city problem, think again. It is the lifestyle choice of kids on reserves and those who live in Canada's quiet rural communities. It is a scourge that is making fear a burden that young people carry. It is a cancer that will invade your home and do damage to every family member.

Because, like it or not, each and every one of us is affected by the violence, the crime, the social disorder inherent in the street gang mentality. We are the victims.

We will pay for the treatment for those hooked on the drugs that the street gangs sell, for policing services to protect the property that the street gangs want to steal from us or destroy. We will pay for the medical services of those people who get in the way of gang members or to treat the injuries of a little girl beaten up by her john or pimp. We will pay and pay and pay, but in more ways than from the pocketbook.

We need to put our considerable energy into ensuring our children have good reason to reject the gangs.

We must lobby our leaders to protect the children with their policies; to provide for them when deciding their budgets; to make decisions with their futures in mind.

We must provide safe and loving environments for the children. Show them they are important, that their fears and concerns will be taken seriously, that their hopes and dreams and ideas are worth pursuing.

We have to be the ones our children turn to when they are troubled, weak and lonely. We are their best alternative.