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LETTERS TO THE EDITOR - August 2, 2005
Dear Editor:
As a candidate for the Conservative Party nomination in BC Southern Interior, I'd like to congratulate Alex Atamanenko on his recent acclamation as NDP candidate in the next federal election.
Although the Conservatives are still some time away from choosing their own candidate, I do not think it out of place for me to send along my best wishes to Alex. He has a reputation as an intelligent and thoughtful man; I think we need more people in politics with his level-headed disposition.
Alex and I even agree on some of the major issues facing our nation, such as the need for a strong and independent Canada, the need to provide secure and accessible health care to young and old alike, and the need to promote technological access and innovation in our rural communities -- communities that have been badly neglected by the Chretien-Martin governments, as I think Alex would agree.
It is good to see that the Conservatives and NDP occupy a certain amount of common ground politically. If anything, it is a reminder that no party enjoys a monopoly on common sense and good intentions.
Having said that, Alex and I obviously disagree on many other vitally important issues facing the Canadian people.
Alex remains stubbornly opposed to the idea that free trade has brought any good to Canada, despite 15 years of clear evidence that points to an explosion of Canadian exports, and a wealth of new jobs, since Canada made the decision to become a full player in the world economic community.
Alex is an ardent supporter of the United Nations, without acknowledging the urgent need for major UN reforms to root out corruption, reduce rash bureaucracy, and prevent wholesale genocide in places where the UN is woefully unprepared to fulfill its peacekeeping mandate.
And he praises the NDP's recent backroom budget deal with the Liberals, which made for great political theatre, but contains so little content, so few details, and so many loopholes as to be virtually worthless.
Clearly, what separates our two parties ideologically is far greater than what unites us under a common cause. Nevertheless, Alex is a worthy opponent.
Should I emerge successful in my bid for the Conservative nomination, I will look forward to an election campaign filled with interesting ideas and thoughtful debate -- a campaign in which exaggeration and half-truths are kept to a bare minimum by all candidates, regardless of party affiliation. I think the citizens of BC Southern Interior deserve nothing less.
- Sincerely, Derek Zeisman, Trail
Dear Editor:
Judging by the current real estate market, the asking price for my house and property has nearly doubled this spring.
Upon learning this, my first reaction was to perform a few cartwheels, then invite all the neighbours to a huge party that would include real estate agents; the object being that we can engage knowledgeable salespeople to help us double our money.
As I lay in bed last evening my euphoria got a severe jolt.
Why?
Because sanity prevailed after I did a little mathematical reasoning. If I sell at a hugely inflated price, the property that I replace it with is subject to the same market forces and also sells at the same inflated price.
Eureka! The only one who gains is the agent who is doubling his commission.
In this "unprecedented real estate boom," any homeowners anxious to take advantage of the market should give their heads a shake.
Before you, dear reader, throw a tantrum over my perceived negativity, let me tell you that this is not a rant against all real estate people.
I've known some who were genuinely a credit to their trade. But if you look around you, you may see that there is no shortage of sales-agents.
It seems that there is an overabundance of people wishing to increase the cost of our real estate without its value.
- Sincerely, HP Toews
