Letters from the Front Lines: Vancouver Riot

Are we too harsh on the rioters?

I understand how frustrating that must have been for you.  I made the fortunate decision to stay in my home that night and didn’t experience any of the effects of the riot first hand.  That being said, your letter to Tim was too harsh.  This was a young person who turned himself in - he admitted he was wrong and asked for forgiveness for himself and mercy for his family and friends who were being harassed.  Coming down so hard on him will surely not encourage other youngsters to turn themselves in.  I am almost as disgusted by the way people are treating rioters as I am by the rioters themselves.  Harassing them at work, getting them fired, forcing them and their families from their homes, these are all highly aggressive vigilante actions that are neither classy nor civilized.  Two wrongs don’t make a right.  Let the justice system do its job and back off.

— proud Vancouverite