Where Do We Go From Here Vancouver?
Posted on June 17, 2011
I woke up yesterday feeling sad, feeling sick, still in shock from the post-game nightmare that erupted in Vancouver Wednesday evening. I don’t need to relieve the horror now by stating the details. We all saw it or at least heard the news of what took place. Many of us watched it unfold live, in disbelief and disgust. For those of us who live here, we suffer with feelings of shame and embarrassment and a devastating loss of reputation.
My yesterday began in mourning, feeling a tremendous pain that had nothing to do with losing a hockey game. That game, for me, was about unity and the spirit of excellence, no matter which team would come out victorious.
Until the criminals and anarchists are identified and made accountable we won’t know the who’s, the why’s and from where they all came, but I believe that these “thugs” were bent on destruction no matter what the outcome of the game.
Where do we go from here? Where is the hope in all this insanity? I say, in the hands and hearts of Vancouver residents. So many have already responded, have already taken steps to heal our city. They immediately stepped up to the plate during our darkest hours. People who love and care for Vancouver:
Those who stayed up through the wee hours Thursday morning to set up websites to aid in identifying the criminals.
The people sharing digital evidence on the internet to assist the VPD in identifying the criminals. The response from the public has been overwhelming and arrests continue to be made.
The estimated 15,000 residents of all ages who came downtown to help with the cleanup of glass, blood, hate graffiti and litter early Thursday morning.
The many innocent bystanders who showed humanity and courage, some who risked their own safety, standing guard midst the mayhem to assist with the prevention of looting and violence.
The throngs of people who helped those in need while surrounded by chaos.
The thousands of people who left beautiful graffiti on the damaged buildings: messages of love, peace and support for Vancouver .
Our amazing VPD and teams of police officers from surrounding jurisdictions who shut down the riot.
The staff at St. Paul’s Hospital who worked with “military-like” precision to care for the incoming wounded.
The many off-duty police officers and doctors who stepped in to assist.
The general public and its united outpouring of appreciation, thanking the VPD for ending the riot and keeping people safe.
Congratulations to the Boston Bruins for your great victory, taking home The Stanley Cup. Vancouver suffered a huge loss Wednesday evening. However, strangely enough, the worst in humanity revealed the best in humanity, and I believe that unity, continued support and positive action will bring the offenders to justice, raise ourselves up and heal the city we know and love. Together we will move forward.
