MAILBOX ‘Delighted’ to be Peggy’s neighbor Dear Editor: I could not believe the letters which were printed in support of Doug Collins’ article attacking the environmental stance of News columnist Peggy Trendell-Whittaker and others. I do not often read Mr. Col- lins, as his column offends my sense of fair play, generosity, tolerance, and, frequently, logic. This one surprised me, though, by its vitriol toward a fellow .columnist who is deeply con- cerned about the well-being of the earth and who provides in- teresting and useful information to those who share that concern. Columnists are ‘anti-women’ Dear Editor: As a long-time resident of the North Shore I have enjoyed your free publication. I have overlook- ed the ravings of Doug Collins in the name of free press and rarely fail to get a chuckle out of Miss Manners. Recently 1 have become alarmed at the number of columns printed so obviously against women. Not only does Doug Collins turn his usual trash against a co-worker, but Bob Hunter sees fit to attack ‘‘older’’ stewardesses, Trevor Lautens attempts to explain that the Marc Lepine massacre is not an example of violence against women and even Noel Wright made a casual and offensive ref- erence against women which, mercifully, l have forgotten. It does not seem consistent with the standards of an award-winning paper to allow your columnists to argue in print, and to print ietters to the editor that so freely attack News columnist Ms _ Trendeli- Whittaker or to even aim barbs at her name. I realize that you have printed equally strong letters about Doug Collins, but surely a column that attacks everyone and everything cannot be compared to an en- vironmental information columi. I do not understand, or approve of, your attempt to heat up the war between the sexes. I would like to request that you discon- tinue dropping this rubbish on my doorstep (yes, in the name of the environment), but I’m not sure I can so easily give up Miss Man- ners. Sharron Driokwater North Vancouver Attacks attacked Dear Editor: It is increasingly clear that we can no longer engage in rational debate. Personal attacks on those with whom we do not agree in all too many cases have supplanted reasoned argument. We seem to have lost the ability to engage in dialogue, passionate or not. Donaid Currie’s letter in the Dec. 14 News attacking Peggy Trendell-Whittaker is an example of this lamentable sort of irrele- vant personal abuse. By printing that letter you have exacerbated the problem. You certainly did nothing to advance any debate about that which Ms Trendell- Whittaker advocates. You may think that personal at- tacks are colorful and attract readers, but | think you have a journalistic duty not to encourage this sort of behavior. David Loukidelis West Vancouver Ms Trendell-Whittaker proved extremely gracious under attack, which there is evidence Mr. Col- lins is not. She has never called anyone by an insulting name, and has not lumped any group, such as polluters, under one crudely antagonistic label, in the fashion thai Mr. Collins believes to be witty. Calling Ms Trendell-Whittaker boring is quite funny. What could be more boring than a continuous contaminated stream of hatred? Those who do not share her interest in preserving and being gentle to the earth are always free to pass over her column. Ms Trendell-Whittaker pro- vides a much needed contrast to some of the other columnists and represents a large segment of the population, as a balanced community newspaper ought to do. How these letter-writers can truly object to someone who is well-informed, articulate, caring and polite is difficult to under- stand, Please keep up the good work, Peggy. 1 would be delighted to be your neighbor. Elizabeth McLean North Vancouver Friday, January 11, 1991 - North Shore News - 7 Don’t hinder those who try to keep Earth healthy Dear Editor: I am writing in response to three jetters in the Friday, Dec. 14 issue of North Shore News, regarding recyciing and columnist Peggy Trendell- Whittaker. I very soundly disagree with Donald Currie, Patricia Thompson and Gerald Mason. Not only do they belittle the good cause of helping the environment, Currie and Masor (both men) seem perturbed by the reporter's name, and the fact it is hyphenated. Reaily, is it necessary to attempt analysis of someone’s name because it happens to be different? And what on earth does the spelling of a reporter’s name have tc do with the subject she is reporting? Reading Ms Trendell-Whittaker’s column is one of the best parts of this paper. For those who don’t choose to help with keeping the world healthy, at least do not hinder or belittle those who are trying. Judith 5rook North Vancouver one of the hottest ump and grind acts aArOUT) World Cup Mogul Competition; break-neck speed through the bumps. Catch Canada’s great hope for gold in the 1992 Olympics, John Smart fresh from his No.1 finish in Europe. Pure Canadian guts and glory. Friday Jan. 11. Ballet Competition on Wishbone begins 9:30 a.m. Sat. Jan. 12. Pepsi Mogul Competition on Overhite begins 10:00 a.m. Sun. Jan. 13. Labatt's Acrial Competition above Fitzsimmons Chair begins 9:30 a.m. FmeaGiay Canaan WORLD BI¢€KCOMB