A Comment by Doug Draper
I’ve always had trouble understanding the mind of someone who would deliberately destroy someone else’s property – not because they know are for some reason angry with the property owner or even know who the owner is, but just because it is there.
St. Catharines nativity scene. Photo courtesy of City of St. Catharines.
In this case, we are talking about property that is owned by and gives pleasure to the public at this time of year – the a nativity scene in front of the City of St. Catharines’ City hall.
Now I’ll admit it. I am not a go-to-church guy. But whether you go to church or not, whether you are a religious believer or not, why would anyone want to smash up camel and shepherd statues for a nativity scene?
The nativity scene in front of St. Catharines’ classic old city hall building off King and James Streets is one of those nice, traditional displays that give many people in the community pleasure each Christmas season. It represents an expression from this municipality of ‘good will’ toward all at this time of year, at least until someone of ill will comes along and smashes it.
“By vandalizing the display, those responsible have shown disrespect not on for it, but for what it stands for,” said St. Catharines Mayor Brian McMullan in a December 2 media release of the vandalism that occurred sometime over night hours of December 1 or 2.
Indeed, the vandalizing of this display was a mindless assault on all of us who share a sense of community and believe in the public good. Obviously, the person or persons that did this have no sense of community at all.
If you happened to have witnessed anything or have idea who may have committed this mindless act call Niagara Regional Police at 905 688-5600.
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