What is with this U.S.-style fear-mongering on crime? I've lived in the Lower Mainland all my life, and never heard of anything so ridiculous.

I'm not afraid to walk or drive anywhere, day or night. I never lock my doors and have never been robbed. I never park near to the store because I am afraid….

Unless you are part of a gang, 99.99 per cent of the population is friendly, honest and happy.

Publishing such hype takes readers away from real issues like education, student debt, equal opportunity, health care, child care, employment, fair wages, housing and homelessness.

We don't need fear -- we need heart.