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LETTERS TO THE EDITOR - September 13, 2005
To the Editor:
As we on the coast of BC are located in a prime earthquake zone why are we allowing the building of skyscrapers in Richmond? Why are we placing families in homes on the riverfront in Steveston?
It is alleged that the provincial Liberals are slowly removing land from the land reserve so hundreds of homes can be built against the dike and below river level, why??
Why are we building a huge curling rink in Richmond for 2010 when only 8 Canadian athletes can take part instead of spending that money to strengthen all of our old and fragile schools immediately?
When I see so many poor people of New Orleans is that is what is going on here as we ship our jobs offshore?
Instead, why aren't the senior governments building huge hydro electric sources in the north to provide cheap public power to industry and to heat our homes?
If nothing else the greedy corporate people in the fossil fuel business will get some competition. We have to smarten up now not a year from now.
- Bob Ritchie, Qualicum Beach
Sir,
They called Mother Natureıs hurricane "Katrina " ---- and she was wrathfully furious.
The "Mother of terrorists"? The "Mother of Equalizers"?
Hurricane Katrina was Mother Natureıs "Shock and Awe". (remember the assault on Baghdad? Sometimes what goes around comes around?)
Whatever the case Katrina has fueled a storm over high gas prices, higher interest rates and nearly everything else.
This seriously bruises everyone especially young families and the seniors regarding health care. Beyond what we're lucky enough to get in Princeton most have to travel to Penticton or Kelowna or large health centres for continued care. This is common for all communities in B.C.
Fuel costs are a heavy burden on seniors and should be alleviated by government considering the high profits made by the fuel tax. This is a marvellous opportunity that shouldn't be missed for our M.L.A. and M.P. to unite in fraternal love to come up with a formula re-imbursing the fuel costs of we poor folks.
Remember, seniors contribute immensely to the economy. Consider the amount pills they consume, the employment they provide for receptionists, care givers, care homes and equipment etc.
It is imperative to keep we old geezers alive. The longer we live the more employment we provide and the more gas the government can sell us and make more money. It's a win-win solution.
Besides look at the free time we free up babysitting for hard strapped parents and the stress seniors relieve. No body conjures up a whopper like a senior.
Keeping us gassed is critical to the country!
Regards,
Joe Schwarz, Princeton
To the Editor;
We recently stopped in lovely Princeton as I had to access my email account.
Thank you to the congenial, pleasant lady at the library for her assistance. I neglected to get her name. Small town atmosphere at its best!
Regards,
Valerie & Henry Wonderham,
Okanagan Falls
Dear Editor;
The former Solicitor General of Canada, Warren Allmand, has called for a full and independent inquiry into the conduct of CSIS and the RCMP in the Maher Arar case, as well a number of other cases involving foreign agencies and the alleged subcontracting of torture.
It seems there is a layer of operations that may well engage in questionable conduct as a matter of course. Given that CSIS was created largely during the Mulroney era, it is likely that it bears at least some of the same stench.
That is not to say that there are not many loyal, honest and decent Canadians associated with CSIS, but the fact that CSIS was nurtured by the most contemptible government in Canadian history prompts the reasonable assumption that there must have been a relative degree of malfeasance incorporated into CSIS at a very early stage.
Anyone who doubts the extent of corruption in the Mulroney Government can read Stevie Cameronıs "On the Take: Crime, Corruption and Greed in the Mulroney Years" ISBN 0770427081, published in 1994.
It is interesting that although this book depicts Mr. Mulroney as arguably the most corrupt and despicable politician in Canadian history, he has never attempted any form of legal action against anyone associated with its printing.
As Mr. Mulroneyıs litigious tendencies are a matter of the public record, his silence in the face of these charges speaks volumes.
I think Mr. Allmandıs call for an independent inquiry is a reasonable approach to a very real problem. CSIS cannot be allowed to operate as a black hole into which the truth readily disappears.
- Robert MacKay, Merritt
Mr. Editor;
I have the privilege of travelling Highway 40 (Princeton - Summerland Road) on a regular basis and I usually enjoy the trip and the spectacular view of the wilderness in our area.
I must say that road maintenance from Osprey Lake to Trout Creek Ranch has been very good of late, but from the Ranch to Summerland, it has been abhorrent throughout most of the Summer. I've travelled roads in Africa that were in better condition.
I wonder if the Department of Highways and its maintenance contractor know that this piece of road exists at all?
Can the Regional District exercise any influence on it's maintenance and repairs?
I hope that this complaint will be the catalyst which will trigger the improvement on this section of the highway.
John Akerley, Princeton
Dear Editor:
Princeton teachers, along with our BC colleagues, want to find solutions now - together with government and school boards - to provide better learning conditions for our students.
That's why we're asking parents and the public for support. Teachers want to bargain for: Class size limits; More help for special needs students; More teacher librarians, counsellors and specialist teachers; Adequate resources for our classrooms; and a fair and reasonable salary increase.
BC Public School Employers' Association is offering three years of no salary increase.
BCPSEA states that the government will not allow it to discuss working and learning conditions at the bargaining table.
BC teachers are calling on the government to sit down with teachers and find solutions to these education issues.
It's time to take a stand: kids matter, teachers care.
Yours truly,
Robert Tarswell, President
Princeton District Teachers Union
