Re: “Scores of police surround Saanich’s new encampment to enforce vacate order,” Sept. 19.
I follow current events, and I’m trying to think of any possible equivalent show of local police force. At what time in recent history have 80 armed officers been engaged to respond to a scene?
I read the front-page story, twice. I never read about the possibility of a weapon or potential attack or loss of life or assault or any violence on society or members of the public or residents at the scene. In fact, I read nothing to indicate a crime.
As a registered social worker and instructor, I cannot see this as anything less than state violence on people experiencing the vulnerabilities of displacement, stigma and hatred. What should we fear — people who are homeless and seek the shelter of shared community or 80 armed police sweeping into neighbourhood parks to disrupt these movements?
I support tent cities as a response to homelessness and as an alternative to being housed in isolation from one’s community.
Bruce Wallace
Victoria
