Dear Editor:
I guess in light of what happened regarding the McIntosh attack in Queen's Park, it has stirred up a fair amount of discussion within our community. Light up the park!
The only thing I have to say about that is are you kidding, and I hope this doesn't go forward because there is city hall influence regarding this event.
Now I have to agree that, as a parent, if my child were to be mugged and robbed, it would cause some concern for me as well, however, didn't mother ever tell you not to walk into the woods at night or down those lonely lanes and alleys?
I agree that the new lighting through Moody Park is very nicely done. Not too overwhelming and has created a wonderful little throughway for us pedestrians. If lights are to be installed in Queen's Park, I can see doing the Millennium Trail, but no more. I believe we have completely lost our minds when it comes to the way we need to be plugged into our devices day and night.
Did Ms. McIntosh not know she shouldn't be walking through the woods at night on her own, with a laptop slung over her shoulder listening to music with her ear buds in?
No wonder she got mugged, and I hate to say this, but she had it coming. She did not deserve to get mugged, but when you shut yourself out from the world and are not aware of what is coming at you, the blame must also fall on the victim.
I see and could give you examples we have seen of young women jogging totally plugged in concentrating on the run and not what is around them because of this need to be entertained constantly.
If any of you have teens and young adults, you should appreciate what I am saying.
Everyone's face is looking down at the iPod, smart phones, iPads and whatever else they have to keep connected.
Heaven forbid that a second should go by and not fill them with loquacious babble.
Technology is a wonderful thing, but, like an addict, our society has become addicted to communication, and I hate to think of what would happen if everyone were suddenly cut off.
Light the park? No. Light a specified path? Maybe.
Light up the park because someone did not use proper care and attention is a big question mark for me, and let's not forget about the issue of light pollution. Is it really necessary to light up the world so that the night skies disappear?
A few months ago, a body was found in Robert Burnaby Park. Does that mean it should be time to light it up as well? I could go on.
Yes, it was unfortunate that the laptop was stolen and someone was violated, but had common sense been used in the first place, the situation might have been completely different - like walking along First Street, where there is lighting.
But through the woods?
Come on, think about it.
John Unger, New Westminster
