8 - Fiiday, September 9, 1994 — North Shore News Young people think they can get away with murder Dear Editor: I witnessed the creation of a potential wife beater. I witnessed the making of a future date rapist. Weeks ago at the family-oriented carnival-like atmosphere of the “Symphony of Fire,” I saw an appalling act of human degradation and chauvinistic depravity that reflects the current decay of our moral fibre. What am [in such a huff about? As I was standing in line to order Pleading for city restraint Deer Editor: Re: City Parks. I aoticed an advert in the North Shore News a few weeks ago requesting subntis- sions for new designs for nam- ing existing and new parks. I notice also that the exist- ing park signs have been sadly neglected and show a regret- fable lack of maintenance on the part of the city’s engincer- ing department. I am concerned with the signs at Ottawa Gardens and wonuer if it will be necessary to get a local petition to get them painted or to request per- mission to paint them our- selves. I have also seen the plans for Victoria Park, which is ~ loved by so many residents of this arca in its present condi- tion. The spending of $1.5 mil- , lion on so-called improve- _ ments is not justified in this ,time of restraint. A project of ‘this cost should seek the approval of all taxpayers and should at least be submitted to local residents for referendum. While there are still streets without proper sidewalks we should examine our expendi- _Aures very carefully. R. Earnshaw North Vancouver Oe ee a ce a eo eo em 0 om ot ees em om we a en CONVENIENT an espresso waiting for the Italian pyrotechnics team to show its stuff, a group of youths walked by. It was a group of mostly male, crotch-to-the-knees baggy clothes types made up of a cross-section of traces and cultures, Normally this scene would not Cause me to write to the focal paper, unless I was commenting on the present decay of our current fashion trends. However, | was shocked to see that the “boys” at the front of the line were spitting on two girls walking just in front of them. The young ladies were not aware of what was being done to them, their jeans protecting them from the suliva and slime dripping down the back of their legs. 1 was flabbergasted! J felt help- less. I and others around me could do nothing but watch, You see, people like these kids fave socicty hostage. The thought of a weapon hidden among the fabric of their sagging apparel prevents people from intervening. You want to tell them to stop, to think of the victim's feelings but your wife and family are important to you, and you don’t want to have them grieving for you over a seem- ingly insignificant incident. Meanwhile, more wife beaters are born. Other sickos, slime buck- vis and depraved future date rapists are created. While we sit and watch more and more kids are introduced into the world of hate, grecd and crime. The senseless kiiling of Graham Niven by four young thugs bears witness to this. All the punishment they receive as juveniles is the occasional slap on the wrist. All we get as law-abiding, decent citizens are more criminals plaguing soci- ety. These pea-brained adolescent delinquents continue to think they can get away with murder. The sorry part is, they're right. Marcelo A, Vieta North Vancouver Time to control firearms with some common sense Dear Editor: It was good to sev the statistics you published in regard to most People’s favorable reaction to gun control. Iam absolutely astounded at how people can see the horro.s that are taking place in the States with their lack of gun taws and argue that we don’t need them, How can they survive on u day- to-day basis with their heads stuck so deeply in the sand? As a person who has enjoyed hunting, I also find it remarkable how people who would like you to think of themselves as “sportsmen” would need an autouatic or even & semi-automatic weapon to bring down their game. That's like using dynamite to fish with. Why some- one needs a machine gun to shout a deer or a duck or even a grizzly bear is beyond me. The point is, it is a sport. Admittedly the odds in hunting are still against the game, but I’ve come home empty-handed a lot of > PROFESSIONAL Every year, thousands of Canadians rely ona Postal Box to give their mail ansactions the business torch. Your mail is reads for pick up every day. Limit one coupon pee rental, Not for use in combination with other coupons. limes, As for handguns, can anyone tell me why we need them? Aside from members of the police and army, und special jobs in security of trappers and geologists in bear country who require them, why should anyone own a handgun? It would certainly make scoop- ing up the bad guys easier since they would be the only people with one, However, | still can’t see any good argument for registering hunt- ing rifles and shotguns. With enforcement of today's gun laws and the gun-training programs in place for getting gun and hunting licences, plus some positive ID controls on buying ammunition, why shouldn't we leave it at that? To me, gun registration still smells of Big Brother and what [ think we need is a common-sense approach. Bob Hartman North Vancouver -l QUEENS STATIONERY Edgemont Village Postal Outlet North Vancouver Phone: 987-0422 Fax: 987-5020 Only original coupons will be accepted. 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Between September and December, the Committee will be reviewing submissions from professional artists at both the conceptual and the detailed design stages. If you are interested in volunteering your services, please send a short letter outlining your interest, experience/expertise and potential contribution to the Committee, along with a resume to Erica Bell- Lowther, Manager of Social Planning, 355 West Queens Road, North Vancouver, BC, V7N 2K6 or fax 984-9683. The deadline for applications is . : September 19, 1994. Two members of the public will be selected for the Committee. HELPING THE WORLD WRITE NOW WE CODE Self-sufficiency through literacy in the developing world For information, call 1-800-661-2633