Saluting newspaper’s stand Dear Editor: Re: North Shore News Free Speech Defence Fund. I salute you for, in spite of your change in ownership, your firm stand on this issue! Due to the generally sorry sit- uation of newspapers in the Vancouver area, yours is now the only one welcome on my doorstep! Although probably an arche! pical WASP, I do not conside myself” “sexist,” “racist,” "or a “redneck,” and I do not allow being called “whitey,” “honky” or “round- eye” to upset my ensire day. Tam half “limey,” half “haggis-eater,” all “Canuck” and proud of it! | Gpinions | applauded * Dear Editor: “seRe: North Shore News “Free Speech Defence Fund. . First, let me congratulate you on the North Shore News. : Since moving to North _{. Vancouver in mid-1991, we have read every issue with t interest. The paper just § getting better and bet- id. the | editorials are | : in countries where this right , we are grateful, for such freedom in Canada, While we do not always agree with every column by writers, such as Trevor Latitens, Doig Collins and ‘< | Noel Weight,: we read cach’ sone with interest. The attempt to silence these few. voices who have Now that I have called myself names, without becom- ing irate and without the sky falling, I reserve the right to stats what [ believe is truth to any person, regardless of their creed or color. I find the NDP and other governments” “quota” systems truly “racist” and “sexist,” being unfair to “male whites” and taxpayers, and rather demeaning and condescending to those it is apparently intend- ed to help. Possibly placing the best qualified “person” for the job would do more for “racial” and “sexual” equality and lower taxes, but would likely do less for the self-serving politicians willing to prostitute themselves for minority votes. Briefly, 1 like to call a “spade” a “spade,” except that phrase too, in this day and age, would be interpreted as “polit- ically incorreev.” Oh, yes: I also pay exera taxes as a smoker and do my very best to avoid spending my money where that is not allowed! Along with my cheque for $100 (I wish it were more, but 1 am now retired and smoking is expensive), I enclose a copy of an excerpt from the March 1997 Phi Alpha Pi Fraternity newsletter, the Fagcurter, which I] edit and publish monthly, wherein I challenge my fellow members to donate Laws are eroding democratic rights Dear Editor: I read with interest the item on your editorial page last week appealing for funds to assist your paper and Doug Collins financially in your fight against the inquitous charges against you. T wonder how many peo- ‘ple really cealize how our democratic rights are con- stantly being eroded by laws passed to limit them. We see judges telling us that we cannot govern our- selves as we wish through our elected . representatives in Parliament. That only the judiciary are able to deter- mine what laws may or may not be passed. And even themselves = making law instead of parliament. We might well be justified in wondering exactly who is governing our country, our elected parliament or non- elected judiciary who repre- sent- nothing but their own opinions. .We see quasi-judicial courts given the power to accuse, charge, try and punish _ people for their opinions in the name of democracy and freedom, because those opin- ions do not agree with what a sometimes vocal minority believe. How can anyone maintain that we live in a democracy where people can be charged merely for expressing an opin- ion, even if they take no overt action whatever to enforce their opinions on others. It seems that only these so- called judicial bodies are able to express opinions of their own and punish those who do not agree with them. It is high time that some- body stood up and called a halt to these constant legista- - tive attacks on our rights as free individuals, and our rights to govern ourselves and have judges enforce the faws made by our representatives instead of making laws them- selves, W. Gibbins North Vancouver estan OE in the hope that it may help to swell the coffers! Again, I applaud your stand on this issue, and to Mr. Collins: you make me think, and | may or may not agree with you on any given issue, but please, Doug, don’t ever mellow! K. Lisle Plaskett West Vancouver Our pharmacy department !s hosting a special free clinic discussing the symptoms and treatment of asthma, allergies and other respiratory Sunday, April 6, 1997 — North Shore News - 9 WALES restiies : “FAMILY LAW, - y - CONVEYANCING. * Family Law * Wills & Estates CCIVIL LITIGATION | * Civil Litigation — matrimonial! — commercial & estate litigation - wrongful dismissal . y - personal injury ° Conveyancing ‘ BALDWIN (COMPANY Law Office ' LYNN VALLEY CENTRE 985-8000°- ailments, We'll also check to see that you're using the proper inhaler tech: nique. It's free for everyone. So come in and breath easy. Thareday, April 10, 10 a.m. to 8 p.m. at Park & Cilford Save-On-Foods & Dings ; 333 Brooksbank Avenue, Phoxe: 885-5885 Through April 13 we're featuring new beef and seafood combinations including... 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