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Dear Troubled Young Lady: Ignore Judy Streatch |
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Written by D.L. McCracken
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Wednesday, 15 November 2006 |
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I apologize for referring to you as "troubled young lady", I wish I knew your first name but that's an entirely different legal issue. But I suspect that you're used to that, aren't you? Being anonymous, I mean. I have heard that you've been caught in the system for over half of your young life - that's a long time to be invisible. Some people in similar circumstances have been anonymous within the system for so long that they truly believe they are one hundred per cent invisible. They truly believe that others cannot see them. They can no longer see themselves. It's at that point that they give up.
You however have not given up. It's evident that you continue to shout at anyone who takes the time to listen that you are still here, you are not invisible and you will continue to act out until someone, anyone hears you. You haven't given up, accepted your fate and joined the ranks of those known simply as a case number.
I wanted to apologize to you for the hurt and abandonment you must feel at this time after learning that the province's Minister of Community Services, your legal guardian, is trying her very hardest to weezle out of appearing on your behalf at your next court hearing. I know you're used to feeling abandoned and I know at this point, you actually expect others to turn away from you and for that, my heart breaks for you. I know you think this is somehow all your fault and you brought this on yourself. I know that you believe that you are not worthy of being cared about. You're wrong, you know. None of this is your fault. But I also know that you won't believe that either. Not yet anyway...it's our job to show you that you are the victim, not only of your own past but also you are the victim of a system that is notorious for their ineffectiveness.
It certainly doesn't help when Judy Streatch herself, the head honcho of the very department that is in place to supposedly help and care for people just like you. I wonder and I worry how hurtful a rejection like this would be to you. I'll wager that Streatch's actions have merely reinforced your belief that no one cares because if the head honcho doesn't want to help, who will? Nothing could be further from the truth.
Judy Streatch's irresponsible and contemptible behaviour has nothing to do with you and everything to do with Judy Streatch. She's fairly new at all this government stuff and she has no experience in the inner workings of community services. Don't worry, the voters of this province are watching closely on your behalf. At this time, Judy Streatch has failed miserably and her failure will be addresed during the next election. In other words, we'll boot her ass. You will have helped the people of Nova Scotia in ridding ourselves of an ineffective elected official.
You should be very proud of your lawyer and the judge who heard your case. Both obviously do care deeply for you. They can see you. They know that you need all the help that they can muster. Never mind about Judy Streatch. You have something bigger, something way more powerful than a useless government figurehead on your side. You have us. The people of this province are on your side, we see you bright and clear and we will not abandon you!
You will no longer be invisible. You will be heard from this point forward. Know this - we care.
I just wish I knew your first name...maybe someday I will..
P.S. Just in case Judy Streatch herself happens to read this - do you have any idea of the harm you are causing to this young lady? Do you have any idea how rejection will be perceived by anyone in the same situation as this young lady? I suspect that you do. Shame on you, Judy Streatch. What is your opinion on Judy Streatch's position in this case? Tell us here .
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