Our Resident Squeegee-Punk

[mbarrick]

Here we see our resident squeegee-punk, normally found during the day at the corner of W. Georgia and Thurlow, displaying his virtues as an intelligent, hard-working individual and vital part of the civic mosaic. After having "discreetly" purchased heroin in an alley opposite a number of residential buildings he "hides" in a well-lit doorway opposite a building with mirrored windows to enjoy the rewards of a hard day's squeeging.

Comments

[http://users.livejournal.com/_disdain_/]

That guy rocks! I must admit I share what I presume to be cynicism on your part regarding the topic at hand -- in my case, witnessing three individuals become heroin addicts (one of whom died) in the local goth/industrial music scene was enough to make me rather jaded.

Of course, working in Gastown and witnessing what you photographed at least twice a week would be a contributing factor...

[mbarrick.livejournal.com]

I lived at the corner of Railway and Gore for two years, and know a few former and late addicts myself. I've developed a strong cynicism.

Frankly I don't see it as a problem that will go away. My preference is, in fact, for decriminalization and Amsterdam/Vienna style shooting galleries and regulation. When the strength of the drug is controlled and dosages are prepared by trained individuals the accidental overdosing doesn't happen. When the drugs are provided on an at-cost basis without criminally inflated street-pricing related property crime is eradicated. People are going to be idiots no matter what, at least keep them from killing themselves and breaking into my car for the change in the ashtray.

[http://users.livejournal.com/_disdain_/]

Absolutely -- I have had many conversations where I have voiced that opinion. Of course, it goes over better with some people than with others.

As you said, it's not going to go away -- might as well legalize and control as much as possible. Hell, they did it with alcohol and cigarettes... may as well go the rest of the way and legalize the "other" drugs, too.

[agentdanak.livejournal.com]

it will never be less problematic down here. it's been so stigmatized (hopefully this is the word) and continues to be by this government.

it's impressive how muw much decriminalization does to lessen a lot of related problems in other countries. ah well.

( i realize i must sound totally incoherent atm, it's been an incredibly long day and tomorrow is an early morning. just know i am agreeing with you)

[seymour-glass.livejournal.com]

no shit i've always been of that opinion...cut out the middle man and the property crime and keep the spread of aids and hepatitis which drain the medical system to a minimum...do the same with pot and in fact tax it and sell it at the liquor store...pay growers well and have it so they have to have a background check...cut out the profit for organized crime and the grow ops and grow rips...

Re: Our Resident Squeegee-Punk

[tnkgrl.livejournal.com]

One of my "not so dark anymore now because I dealt with my shit after transitioning" secrets is that I used to shoot speed.

That was back in '98 when I was pretty active in the Vancouver goth community - before I really got ot know you, I think.

Anyway I stopped using with the help of a friend after several close calls - it was brutal.

I agree with with you about decrimilization, but I'm not sure that you can ever prevent people from being self-destructive.

Re: Our Resident Squeegee-Punk

[mbarrick.livejournal.com]

I think you are right, you can't stop people from being self destructive, but when it is criminal people hide. Out in the open there is the means to provide *real* help and it keeps the criminal profiteers from capitalising on other people's pain.

[sovietnimrod.livejournal.com]

We need a big freaking gulag located on Ellesmere Island to ship these people off to. If they aren't going to make at least a token effort to contribute to society, then remove to somewhere they won't cause harm for the rest of us. I'm getting so tired with the promiscuity of narcotics.

PANHANDLER: "Got any spare change?"
SOVIETNIMROD: "Sorry, I've got taxes to pay so that you get a welfare cheque"

[(Anonymous)]

fuck you i am one in montreal