I want to add my support to Celia Fisher's letter (Coast Reporter, July 3) with respect to her words regarding vilification and demonization.
I would also like to suggest that every community should have such a facility within its midst, that every community should take it upon itself to help those who do desperately need it, and that it is both a moral and social obligation to do so. It is only by facing our own fears of others who appear different from us and learning their stories and truths that we can come together and learn how to live as humans should: in peace and harmony, with compassion and understanding for all - the good, the bad, the ugly, the beautiful and those who just need help.
Why can't this issue be turned around? Let us all pull together and help these men. Why not rise above our fears and biases, lead by example and welcome them back into society? Why not show other communities by our actions that they don't need to fear these programs and that a huge amount of good can be achieved?
By taking this approach, the cost to society will be decreased dramatically and eventually these men will be able to once again contribute to society. As a community, it would indeed be something to be proud of.
Perhaps it would be helpful to consider that there isn't a single individual enrolled in VisionQuest who wouldn't rather be somewhere else, such as in a home of his own, with a family of his own to be loved and cared for.
There but for the grace of God goes every single one of us who hasn't travelled down that horrific nightmare road which leads to addiction.
Reid Arnold
Wilson Creek
