Poor Choices Of Individuals

I understand that often people are feeling a sense of hopelessness and the isolation that a life on the streets can cause but to blame Kelowna residents for the poor choices individuals make from their circumstances is ignoring one of the basic tenets of a free society. We all are responsible ( or should be) for the decisions we make and therefore for the consequences of those decisions. Everything we do, every action we take. Boils down to finally the question, "Should I do this or not?"

The troubled people on our streets are not children that the village is responsible for raising and giving things to. They are young and sometimes not so young adults that while expressing a desire to be "free" want the freedom without responsibility and accountability to anyone or any guidelines other than themselves and their short term gratification.

Schools and social agencies do not "quarantine" but are there to provide supportive alternatives to those who want to take advantage of the opportunities they provide. Many people make the most of the opportunities to make sure they rise above their present state of life. Others say it is too hard, it's not fair, it takes too long. I'm not going to work at some Joe job or some other excuse and wind up staying where they are blaming society for their failure to make some positive changes in their lives.

I'm not saying it is easy. I was raised in extreme poverty, hung out with a rough crowd etc. etc. but, like many others, decided to do whatever I had to do to set a positive direction for my life. Some of my friends did the same, some did not. The decision each of us made determined our future. It wasn't those in the community around us that made the decision. Everyone who is capable of making a decision in society is the individual who bears the acclaim or blame that results from that decision. That's part of a free society.

The writer of "Thoughts on Downtown Crime" has made decisions that have set positive life directions in motion and should be commended for doing so. I'm sure it is not an easy path to take but it is a path many have chosen.

Others can do the same if they make the choice. They too can be overcomer's and survivors of the challenges they have faced in their lives.

B.H.