Dear Editor:
I was recently taken aback by the comments made in a recent letter to the editor entitled "How about some common sense," published Jan. 25.
Although I appreciate the concerns over people inadvertently placing themselves in positions where they could potentially become victims of crime, the suggestion made that the victim in this case "had it coming" is at best unfortunate and at worst offensive.
No one "asks" to become a victim of a violent assault and robbery. By making such a suggestion, there is a marked departure from the semblance of "common sense" that the author was trying to portray.
It is important to keep in mind that the assailants in this case (two men) were reported to have attacked and beaten a lone female in Queen's Park - in the centre of our city. The focus should be on the dastardly and cowardly act by two thugs and not on how the victim "had it coming."
Street safety continues to be a concern for anyone who ventures out on foot anywhere in the city. All of us must indeed be mindful of our own choices about where we walk and with whom. I for one, want a city where all people may walk wherever they want and whenever they want.
It is up to all of us to collectively express that those things that threaten our street safety will not be tolerated, nor will those who would perpetrate violence against innocent pedestrians.
Finally, we do need to take back our parks and our streets for the express use and enjoyment of all of the city's citizens and send a clear message to the ne'er-do-wells out there: that we belong to the biggest gang in town - the law-abiding citizens of New Westminster - and we'll be watching.
Glen Richmond, New Westminster
