Dear Editor: In Trevor Lautens’ Dec. 27 piece (Here’s to the Heroes in the Lamont Case) he accused me of “castigating” him. Lest my silence be taken as a sur- render of my support for Christine Lamont and David Spencer, | would like to reply, even this late. T have always made allowance for some degree of involvement and my letters to politicians, even the earlier ones to Ms. McDougall acknowl- edged this. My overriding concern has always been the severity of the sen- tence, and there are many people in Brazil who think it excessive also. The original sentence was based on a presumption of guilt and was eight and 10 years, abour one third of the increase to 28 years after appeal. This was not based on new evi- dence and in most countries would have simply resulted in upholding the original sentence. The increase flies in the face of Brazil’s own laws and also contravenes international law. Brazilian law has a distinction between kidnap for per- sonal gain and one carried out for political purposes, which is usually treated with more leniency. The original not-guilty plea was i SER LOP MEE SILT N NCD Ne EEL AONE In defence of kidnappers’ ¢ defence not made in isolation, but on the advice of Brazilian lawyers. There was no “shootout,” and Mr. Dinitz was released unharmed after one week. The much respected Cardinal Arns negotiated the surrender of the kid- nappers. In identical circumstances a Brazilian national would by now have received parole, but this is not accord- ed to foreigners. As for the contents of the books written by Vincent and Millan, I still maintain that there has probably never been a situation where two vitriolic books based on many falschoods were published at the same time on people unabie to defend themselves. Keith and Marilyn Lamont are two of the most wonderful people I have ever met, and I hope that if one of Mr. Lautens’ own children should ever be in trouble because they have a better social conscience than their father, he would follow the Lamonts’ example of fighting for their daughter's free- dom. As for his attack on me, I would sooner live with a reputation for soft- heartedness than meanness of spirit. Ray Eagle West Vancouver Community crowding Dear Eaitor: Ic is said that language is being constantly renewed. I have found a new word for overcrowding: it’s called “community.” Jean i West Vancouver MAILBOX POLICY LETTERS to the editor must be legible (preferably typewritten) and include your name, full address and telephone number. Furnitureland farewell Dear Editor: Open letter to all North Shore residents. Recently, I made a very difficult decision to close my bisiness known as Furnitureland. . “: The reasons for the closing were: made public in a won- derful article by Michael Becker of the News. Since that article appeared, _ooT have received countless let- - > ters, phone calls and personal ‘y. visits from all my customers “and frierids. The good -wishes have - " expressed a feeling of lost . touched me very deeply, and I want. to, thank all of you who " became™ more than just cus-. Furnitureland developed into more than just your fur- niture store. Tt became a sort of com- munity centre — a place where people would just drop in to have a chat, talk about the latest addition to the fam- ily, or the upcoming holiday, discuss aches and pains and life’s criats and tribulations. I wit miss the chats we had, the ‘sharing of good tid- ings and bad..I will miss the sense of community that . Furnitureland enjoyed. Many of you have security which the store pro- vided over the years and I want you all to know that I feel very humbled by being a part of the community for the past 10 years. I always tried to bring a sense of dignity and fair play into business. My thanks also to all the wonderful people at the North Shore News who are just too many to mention by name. Your assistance, your encouragement and wonder- ful level of loyalty, will always be remembered. Maybe, somewhere, some- time I will reappear. They say bad pennies always come back. 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