Lo OMELET Poti Sate ed oN ce he ares Critique liberal philosophies Dear Editor: As a relative newcomer to the North Shore, J just want to express my appreciation to you and your Newspaper. At last, I have found some like-minded thinkers who are aware of the serious philosophical and practical problems associated with political liberal- ism. Having lived most of my 42 years in bureau- cratic Ortawa, Ontario, and leftist Saskatchewan, it is refreshing to read a newspaper that has some philosophical substance to it. Necdless to say, I totally agreed with Noel Wright’s Feb. 16 “No man is an island, entire of itse! critique of today’s rampant individualism. Undoubtedly political liberalism is the chief mitigating factor in Canada working against plurat- istic democracy. Whereas classical liberalism essen- tially meant freedom to choose conceptions of the “good,” contemporary liberalism essentially means freedom from any conceptions of the “good. ” Political theorists refer to this as “the priority of Let’s make ii Mrs. Collins Dear Editor: the right over the good” — the “right” meaning freedom or entitlement. Consequently, it is crucial that we understand how political liberalism has evolved from something initially noble to the insid- ious philosophy that it has become. If I may say so, the (1982) Canadian Charter of Rights and Freedoms epitomizes the impotency and self-Jestructiveness of contemporary liberal- ism. Not only did the Charter put all of us into an ideological strait-jacket of a sort, but, if you will recall, the Charter was supposed to be the primary unifying force in the country. This was the big sales pitch back in the early 1980s. The Charter was supposed to somchow reshape and unify all near-30 million of us as equal, pan-Canadian, rights-bearing citizens. What a naive, illogical, and tragic mistake, as the last 15 years have proven. Surely no one in their right taind would deny that the Charter has fueled socio- political fragmentation rather than cohesiveness. All this reminds me of the 1960s school text- book theme, and frequent title, “Canada: Unity In Diversity.” How in the world can a country achieve unity when all it emphasizes is diversity and nghts? Wright, and many others, are definitely on to some- thing when they promote responsibility, communi- ty, core (Canadian) values. There is yet another angle to this topic that war- rants attention, that being how contemporary lib- eralism enshrines- autonomous humen freedom above all else. Hence, thoughtful Christians, not to mention others, find this enshrinement offensive and dysfuncticnal. God, and conceptions of the good, are essentially demoted, being replaced by autonomous human freedom. I think it is high time for Christians, of all denominational persuasions, and none, not to men- tion other religicus groups, tu openly critique con- temporary liberal philosophy policy. Les Nasserden West Vancouver Tips on improving your dog’s life Re: Doug Collins — Never alone. with a clone. has been, Abways will be. if can only hope that ya can“! ope that you “come. back in your next life Dear Editor: I read with interest the Jan. 28 News mailbox letter on stolen dogs. ee owners of four month old puppy “Lizzy” wondered how anyone could take their . innocent pet while she was standing outside, chained up in the yard. Here are some further issues with respect to tying up dogs: North Shore law makes it illegal for dog owners to chain their pets, or allow them to roam the streets. Adult dogs who are consis- tently confined to chains may become prone to aggression and boredom. As puppies they might put up with restraint, but being social animals need a family context to feel secure. In addition, small pets can fall prey to coyote, whose habitat includes the North Shore. Many people have miscon- ceptions surrounding their dog’s need for exercise. Daily walks or runs are all that most canines need. (In fact, chained dogs often get less physical exertion due to a cont living space.) Supervising a dog outside on or off a leash is a great oppor- tunity for pet-owner exercise, training and bonding. It is unfortunate that we must be so protective of our pets. Jt seems, though, that dangers which encounter chained dogs are too great. Please consider bringing your pets inside with you. If you cannot take your com- panion inside because “he tuisbehaves,” you may want to talk to a professional dog uainer. Rebecca Curttler (13 years old) West Vancouver CHRIS CARTER Financial Advisor Principles are costl to defen Dear Editor: Once again, Doug Collins is under fire for his forthright views which rub those in power “the wrong way.” The actions of the CJC are reprehensible and clearly demonstrate that far from being “pro-human rights,” they want to stamp out freedom of expression as soon as possible and with all weapons ar. their disposal. One brief shining light was demonstrated in the remarks from the Globe and Mail, which righdy called Bill 33, “a criminal abuse of human rights.” Luckily, it seems Mr. Collins is ready for the bat- de, referring to himself as a “pie bull.” -He’ll need the constitution of a pit bull, indeed, as he’s being dragged through: the kanga- roo courts. Thank goodness for le jike ‘B.C. Press uncil lawyer ~ Roger McConchic, willing to intervene on the side of truth and j It is, indeed, terrible, that the News must. bear the huge expense of this farce. 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