To the editor:
Re: "Challenging welfare," Jan. 27.
Many, like MLA Jagrup Brar, are deceived to believe that raising welfare rates will equate to better cared for children, fewer homeless and more people leaving welfare for jobs.
With over 15 years of volunteer experience, including serving people in the Downtown Eastside 52 weeks a year, mostly outdoors, we love the poor and needy people of the area. They know it. They tell us. We want to share what we have learned.
Welfare increases would not likely result in better care for many children, only many parents with more money for drugs, alcohol and tobacco. Welfare increases would not likely result in many unemployed people finding work, only many people with more money for their monthly "Mardi Gras." Yes, there would be exceptions.
For unemployed people who would commit to living drug, alcohol and tobacco-free, significantly increase welfare support (e.g. allowance for bus pass, telephone, daycare while job seeking, training, detox or rehab program). Let all welfare recipients choose to merit increases and be held accountable (e.g. random drug testing). Let welfare parents choose to demonstrate personal sacrifice for their children's best benefit.
Ron Hutchison and Clark "Banana Man" Katona, Vancouver
