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Fast ferries were not a complete waste
Editor:
Letter writer Johnny Juuann (Letters, Feb. 1) says the fast ferries were a waste. Although I was against them from the start and blame Glen Clark not only for insisting on their construction, but also for interfering in their design, I do not agree that they were a complete waste.
The money spent on them went into local wages and local businesses. Skills were learned, such as aluminum welding and computer technology. Much of that money went back into the economy and provided spinoff employment. And the ferries can still be sold, if only for 10¢ on the dollar.
A real waste of money is the Liberal’s stupid gun registration program that has now cost more than $500 million. The registration of a device does not make it safe. Every dangerous driver is driving a registered car, as is every criminal.
Think of all the really necessary things that $500 million could be used for. An example is the 19,000 women a year who are diagnosed with breast cancer, and the 18,000 men with prostate cancer.
Incidentally, shouldn’t the marine architects and the shipyard accept some blame for the fast ferries? If they are competent, they had to know they were unsuitable for local waters.
G. Simpson
Richmond
Separation is not the answer
Editor:
The topic of western alienation has has been receiving prominent coverage during the past few weeks. In this context, the word separation has been mentioned fairly regularly.
It goes without saying that Ottawa has shafted most of the western provinces over the years. B.C. in particular has been sending a lot more to Ottawa than it gets back. On top of that B.C.’s interests appear to be ignored by Ottawa on a fairly regular basis.
Similarly, there are a number of other inequities that reinforce the feelings of alienation. These rumblings of discontent are fully justified.
Nevertheless, separation is not the answer.
Canada is a great country. As a matter of fact, singling it out as the best country in the world won’t be an exaggeration or overstatement.
The Canadian confederation is sorely in need of a major overhaul, realignment and improvement. Our federal powerbrokers in Ottawa need to undergo a major mental shift. They must change their attitude of taking the west for granted. Central Canada must recognize the western provinces, especially B.C. and Alberta as equal partners and valued members of the confederation.
On our part, we as British Columbians or Albertans, need to rededicate ourselves to building a stronger and unified Canada from coast to coast to coast.
Long live Canada!
Balwant Sanghera
Richmond
Black clothes look better in the day
Editor:
I realize walking around at night, dressed in an all-in-black ensemble is cool. But not as cool as lying on a slab, covered in a white sheet!
When are people going to realize that drivers, at night, cannot see these camouflaged warriors? In fact, it is unfair to expect drivers to see these people who deliberately dress to become invisible.
Don’t get mad at the bus driver who roars right past you or the trucker who runs right over you. Get mad at yourselves for wearing stupid clothing.
All children’s clothing should be required to have reflective strips, including back-packs. Busses should carry advertising showing the difference between reflective and non-reflective clothing. Transit and police departments should set an example and have their drivers wear reflective clothing.
Personally, I refuse to buy clothing that does not have reflective strips.
Maybe, making oneself visible, instead of invisible, might just save your life!
Colin W. Sinclaire
Richmond
A hero in Richmond
Editor:
I do not know her name. She is a lady with a beautiful house at Williams and Seacote. Our family often sees her carrying a white plastic bag and picking up garbage along the streets.
Whenever she walks, she does it. Day after day, year after year—so quietly, so ordinarily.
She is a hero to me!
Shame on those who don’t care for our city and don’t even clean their own mess!
Jean Chen
Richmond
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