MAIL BOX MiP White missed the point of Seattle protest continues Dear Editor: Re: Dec. 15 North Shore News letter “WTO protesters short on logic.” Poor Mr. (Ted) White, his narrow mind can only see WTO protesters as socialist, violent and without reason. Protesters in Seattle included doctors, lawyers and school teachers, students, scientists and retired persons, as well as Liberals, Conservatives and even Reformers! Peuple from all walks of life came together to ask that they be listened too. We want democracy Mr. White, maybe you’ve heard of it? There was no violence in Seattle on the part of the protesters, just 2 few goons who wanted to break windows, long before the peaceful, civil protest arrived in downtown Seattle. If anyone was overly violent it was the police, day after day, keeping a firm foot on the throat of democracy. This may please Mr. White and his ignorant rninority, but few others. Mr, White suggests that the so-called iree market global economy is a benefit to all. I sxg- est he ask workers in the Mexican inaquiladoras ee-trade zone how the fee market has helped their lives. People are bussed in to work 12- to 16-hour days for a dollar an hour. They suffer non-existent health standards leading to many on-the-job fatalities. The rape and murder of women coming off the night shift is common place. No health care, no benefits, no pensions, many have called it servitude, some cail it slavery. If Nike or Coke or any number of other com- panies invested in Southeast Asia or China really ee My regulariwe ~~. . Wedne cared about living standards they would be demanding environmental, health and labour standards and rights. They are not, and they won't. Their bottom line is much more impor- tant than the suppert of a civil society. This is what we are protesting! The protesters in Seattle were not against the global economy; they are against this global economy that is being directed by an unelected, undemocratic body like the WTO. We who protest these things believe that the public has a right to be involved so that real trade Is achieved, not the simple investment agree- ments that are ravaging the world today. Real market economics supports people and their sov- ereign nations so that balanced, fair trade can take place. We understand that these muld- national corporations are just trying to grow and profit any way they can, but they must also understand that rules must be followed, rules that support things like human rights, safety standards and heaven forbid, democracy? As our Member of Parliament, Ted White, you should have the maturity and understanding, to help people in your riding understand both sides in this difficult and important issue. Instead you show your lack of understanding and immatwity —~ maybe those Handsworth students could help you learn a thing or two. It was not the protesters, but you who appears to be short on logic. s Collis North Vancouver esday, Febfi ‘ Save Killing Dear Editor: Evelyn Kirkaldy, in her Nov. 24 ietter to the editor, states that “the North Vancouver SPCA has not destroyed an animal in years.” Unfortunately, Ms. Kirkaliy and so many other North Vancouver residents are unaware of the killing going on. The North Vancouver SPCA routinely kills animals picked up or sur- rendered to them. I became aware of the plight of these defenceless pets while working as a vol- unteer three days a week at the shelter. Over $300,000 of our taxes are given to the North Vancouver SPCA each year. Money that could be better spent on spaying and neuter- ing, public education and the humane care of lost and abandoned animals. The Vancouver pound has a no-kill shelter. Surely we can follow this first step in creating a cruelty-free zone. Donna Liberson North Vancouver From the office of Or. Goaxuna Lay DERMATOLOGIST We are now accepting patients by referral from your doctor, or on a private basis. CHRISTMAS SERVICES Friday, December 24th 7:00 pm: Children’s Service 9:00 pm: Candlelight Service 11:00 pm: Candlelight Service Saturday, December 25th 11:00 am: Service of Lessons and Carols Sunday, December 26th 9:30 am: Worship 11:00 am: Worship St. Andrew's & St. Stephen's Presbyterian Church 2641 Chesterfield Avenue. North Vancouver Tel. (604) 987-6800 Pastors: Gordon Kouwenberg & Phil Wheaton WEEK BLAST Boxing Day Prices-Every Day! CLEAR OUT: All 1999 floor models heve to go to make room fer new stock Make your own deal- Cash & Carry! Lifetime customer satisfaction warranty No Particle Board! 15,000 square feot showroom with furniture and accessories for every lifestyle {authorized Flexstec! dealer) Make your own Suite Deal. Quality at affordable. prices. We con't just sell you furniture. .: -We help you buy furniture Video monitered children’s playroom - Open 7 Days . oo ‘Suite Dreains Furniture. si 1989 Boundary Rd. 320-2577 Just 2 minutes over Second Narrows Bridge .. E-mail: www.suitedreams.net .