3 - Friday, December 29, 1989 - North Shore News Racial slurs something ‘a Dear Editor: Your Dec. 1 news article regard- ing Devron-Hercules Manufactur- ing Ltd. being ordered by the B.C. Council of Human Rights to pay $27,240 to a former employee, an East Indian named Tony Baichu, for alleged racial discrimination, is a chronicle of a_ predictable response by a society where com- mon sense and backbone cringe and quake when the dreaded word racism is sounded. It would appear that Tony Baichu’s real complaint was that his co-workers indulged in what is fashionably called ‘‘racial slurs."’ This, as any immigrant already knows, is common in any workplace where there are people of different nationalities working together. Sometimes it is in jest, some- times not, but it is a situation all immigrants face, and the bottom line through all of it is that if the individual makes the effort to fit in and pull with the rest of the team, he will be accepted whatever his race or religion. Although 1 do not work for Devron-Hercules, | do know that they have employees from prac- tically every corner of the globe, so the pompous suggestion by the Human Rights Council hearing chairman Eric Powell that Devron-Hercules implement a program that ‘‘will put into prac- tice the principles of tolerance, co- operation and understanding of diverse racial and ethnic groups”’ is completely unwarranted and not a little insulting. And that he further ordered Devron-Hercules to rehire Mr. Baichu when a position becomes available for which he is qualified is not only exploiting his omnipo- il immigrants face’ tence to the tui, but is also demonstrating his incredible ig- norance of human nature. Eric Powell would have achieved far more for racial harmony if he had simply wiped Tony Baichu's nose and sent him off home to mother. As it is, he has con- tributed even more to a problem that feeds on the naivete of people like him, not to mention he fell for the oldest trick in the racial pre- judice book, namely how to monetarily capitalize on the situa- tion. Despite having lived in Canada for 14 years, loving it and regard- ing it as my chosen home, [ am proud of where I came from, warts and all, and anybody is welcome to call me a Limey or a Pommey, ! promise | won’t sue, because I re- ally don’t give a damn. Mick Webb North Vancouver Free trade agreement fosters a shift in values Dear Editor: In your Dec. 10 Mailbox, D.M. Mitchell expresses dismay at Bar- bara McCreadie’s Nov. 26 article which provided information to Canadians shopping in the U.S.A. Clearly it is time for D.M. Mitchell to try to understand free trade. Those of us who argued against free trade, and lost, had in mind a Canadian society in which we sup- ported our local manufacturers and merchants and thereby main- tained social services and a sense of community in Canada. The obvious message of the Free Trade Agreement is that one should shop wherever the best prices are offered. The slogan Support our Local Merchants is now outdated and is seen as a kind of foolish altruism. I believe this change in thinking is behind the dramatic increase in trips across the border to shop. The Goods and Services Tax will be a further incentive. D.M. Mitchell's griping looks like an attempt to shoot the mes- senger. The bad news about free trade must be faced honestly. It is not simply a business agreement. [t fosters a shift in values away from mutual support and towards cost- conscious individualism. Barbara McCreadie’s advice is a true guide to the ‘‘real world.”’ John Millen North Vancouver TO ALL YOu GoopD PEOPLE THAT ARE MAKING OUR PROGRESS Schmidt Insurance Brokers The CAULFEILD VILLAGE INSURANCE CENTRE LIONS BAY Servicing: West Van / Caulfeild HORSESHOE BAY CAULFEILD VILLAGE CYPRESS PARK CAULFEILD DRIVE EXIT a4 Horseshoe Bay / Lions Bay Eagle Harbour / Westmount Cypress Park Estates POSSIBLE _ WE SAY SIMPLY BUT EAGLE HARBOUR UPPER LEVELS HIGHWAY CAULFEILD MARINE DRIVE SINCERELY, THANK YOU AND BEST WISHES FOR THE HOLIDAY SEASON AND A . HAPPY NEW YEAR PLEASE NOTE: Your Quieplian Headquarters “Where the parking is easy and the service is knowledgeable & friendly.” We can care for all your Insurance Requirements + Homeowners, Fenants, Business Coverage, Travel Insurance through Lloyds of London, highly competitive rates. Please inquire. 5315 Headland Dr. Caulfeild Village 922-9100 Opposite Safeway “Someplace Special” A DIVISION OF INTERCITY EQUITY CORPORATION MONTH END HOURS TO SERVICE YOUR AUTOPLAN REQUIREMENTS FRIDAY DEC. 29th — 10 AM TO 9 PM SATURDAY DEC. 30th — 10 AM TO 9 PM OPEN Monday-Friday 10am - Gpm Saturday 10-5 pm For your convenience Month End 10am-9pm Learn Italian Evening Courses for Beginners Intermediates & Advanced Winter Session: Jan. 9 - April 5 (3 weeks) Tuesday and Thursday Evenings from 7:30pm - 9.00pm at the Italian Cultural Centre Cost of Session $65.0© (Book not included) 3075 Slocan St. 8 Vancouver 7a x 0 FA-S-T CALL THE PROFESSIONALS AT For information and pre-registration. 430-3337 | ew) LLISION REPAIRS “TPXCGRMOTIVE” 1959 LTD. FREE RENTAL COURTESY CARS B.C.A.A. APPROVED — A.R.A. CERTIFIED 7AYLORMG TIVE 174 PEMBERTON ‘AVE. WORTH VAN .C.B.C. VENDOR FOR ALL MAKES QUALITY WORKMANSHIP TRUSTWORTHY SERVICE CONSULTATION OR APPOINTMENTS 985-7455 JANUARY CLEARANCE SALE ON NOW New Shipment Just Arrived! WE'RE STACKED TO THE ROOF WITH FINE ANTIQUE FURNISHINGS FROM ENGLAND AND BELGIUM — YOU SAVE $ WITH OUR WAREHOUSE DIRECT PRICES! MON. - SAT: 10:30- 6 SUN: 12-5 OPEN NE 1 226 S.W. Marine Drive, Vancouver Ingledew W YEAR'S DAY 12 - 5 PARK ROYAL STORE ONLY 324-3661 & CLEARANCE SALE Women’s fashion boots | SALE NOW IN PROGRESS | formerly $110-$140 37/99 oT1 Gg over $220 Ing formerly $170-$215 Y2 PRICE ledews for the qreat names in fashion PARK ROYAL STORE ONLY! Sorry!-No mail orders! No exchanges! No refunds at sale prices!