xe thieves pay for their crimes Dear Editor: Prior to having my car stolen six weeks ago [| would have read your recent article “Stolen car discovered” (June 5) with interest and equanim- ity. However, as a victim of this kind of thievery 1 reread the article several times. For, it is only when the statistics are realized on a personal level that one understands the anger, frustration und exas- peration each and every stolen vehicle engenders. Fortunately my guar was recovered within five days in - a fairly good condition, thanks to the RCMP. Their expertise and diligence in solving this particular crime were impressive, for, not only did they recover my car, but they also caught the thief in the process. Nevertheless, as a victim I Balmoral beef aired Dear Editor: Just a not2 about your June 12 news stery on the B.C. soccer championships in Kamloops (“Dukes earn silver — Girl's senior soccer team 2nd in B.C.”, accompa- nied by team photo). Although some space was given Balmoral Barons’ third-place finish in the dou- ble-A championships (losing 1-0 to Windsor in the semi- finals), the story failed to rec- ognize the significance of that result. Balmoral's achletes con- sisted of students from Grades 8 to 10, whereas their competition (including Windsor) included high school seniors. When might their team picture grace your pages? Dave Lee dlee@sierrasys.com North Vancouver am still outraged and angry at the time, energy and inconve- nience spent in order to restore my car to its former pristine condilion. For, not only did [ have to deal with the RCMP (at their headquar- ters), | also had two sessions with ICBC, a car rental com- pany, an automotive repair company and a radio repair company. [tis only now that the work is finally completed. and. in spite of my anger, | realize how fortunate 1 was that the damage was so mini- mat. I cannot help but wonder if these criminals were made to make restitution to their victims if it would curb their tendencies to repeal the same crime’? For, as a senior on a small pension, | would cer- tainly appreciate having the young punk who stole my car give me back the $100 deductible that | had to pay ICBC. He could also work out the mumber of hours | was incon- venienced by putting in equal time doing house painting and yard work for me. Enough said. Eilleen M. Sicele North Vancouver Gag law not funny Dear Editor: The federal government has been thwarted in its effort to re-impose its oppressive election gag law thanks to a unanimous rul- ing by the Court of Appeal in Alberta. On June 5, the court refused a government appeal. to overturn a 1993 lower court decision that bad declared the infamous electoral gag law to be unconstitutional. It was a crushing set- back for Prime Minister Jean Chretien and the polit- ical establishment but a major victory for all Canadians who cherish our fundamental freedoms. hitroduced by — the Mutroney government in 1993, the gag faw threat- ened citizens with up to five years’ imprisonment for spending more than $100, individually or as a group, to support or oppose politi- cal parties or candidates during elections. The National Citizens’ Coalition immediately sup- ported a legal challenge to the gag law and in June 1993 the Alberta Court of § Queen's Bench ruled that it violated Canadians’ free- doms of speech, association and their right to an informed vote. Now that an Appeal Court has upheld that rul- ing, isn’t it time that the Chretien government scrapped this law? David Somerville President, The National Citizens’ Coalition Inventory of Government & U.S. customs Seized “SEIZED & UNPAID ORDERED BY FEDERAL COLLECTION AGENCY, ALBERTA - DEPARTMENT OF AUCTION SERVICES “. + Gertitled values: from $100 to $90,000 HIGH WALUE PERSIAN & ORIENTAL CARPETS Mejority of items consist of silk and weol handknotted unpaid carpets - VERY FINE JEWELLERY - Certified Values: up to $70,900 Wide range from very fine to very important jewellery eee + penemater-$ iG from various sources (bntec ei pumatator s Silk & wool master weaves ‘and other Palace carpets Wide range of fine & very important jewellery SUNDAY, JUNE 23, 1996" MASONIC HALL 1763 BELLEVUE AVE., WEST VANCOUVER 1 PM SHARP- Public viewing from 12 noon Terns 10% tavers premuin charge to be added. Ca: Nor attated with Canada Castoms. “ertihed Bank Cheques, Vist, Mastercard & Annex accepted. ALL GOLD & DIAMOND JEWELRY RINGS, BRACELETS, CHAINS, & EARRINGS rf ce ~— SWAROVSKI CRYSTAL No GST/No PST PUTS JOMASSON WILDLIFE OPEN HOUSE MON TO FRI 3:30 - 7:00 PM WEEKEND sp nla ge 3:30 - 5:30 PM 1238 SEYMOUR @ 1238 Seymour (In Yaletown) Call lan Boiley or Kelly Macleod - 263-1911 eee