8 - Friday, June 24 1994 - Support families Dear Editor: Re: response to Catherine Atyeo's June 17 commentary, If Catherine Atyeo wrote her family commentary tongue in cheek to spark public dialogue, | commend her for a job well done. But if she intended to pre- sent readers with an accurate and informed opinion oa ute state of the Canadian family, she has utterly missed the mark, Ms. Atyeo concludes that “the heterosexual nuclear family is not working for a tot of kids” because “sociologists tell us that, without question, the mast potentially dangerous place for children -—- in terms of their emotional and physical health — is the family.” This is dead wrong. According to recent Canadian research, children of heterosex- ual-based, two-parent, once- married families are far less likely to experience abuse than children of “broken family” groups such as lone-parent fam- ilies and stepfamilies. It is bro- ken relationships, unresolved conflicts, generatiunal poverty, unemployment, substance abuse, chemical dependency, and the absence of commitment that are creating family dysfunc- tion, Most of these negative fac- tors result from individual's lack of positive, community- responsible values. The heterosexual family structure is not just an option among other “family forms.” Biology dictates that the hetero- sexual union is “ie one unique union that produces children. And whea the husband and wife within that union are striving for integrity and commitment in their relationship and in their relationship with their kids, their kids are in the best possi- ble environment — emotionally and physically. Canadian society is experi- encing a trend in social ethics that should disturb many of us. While we prurmote adherence to the natural order as it pertaias to wildlife and the environment, we ignore and even disdain the natural order as it pertains to human relationships. By attack- ing the traditional family, we are biting the very hand that feeds us! Cindy Silver North Vancouver Noth Shore News Park meter move bugs businessman Dear Editor: Hawould like fo express frustration over the methods being used by the Vancouver park board to adjust to new finaneial restrasats, When Vancouver Citv Tall reduced the park board's budget this year, we believe it wished Ihent to examine their administrative needs and not institute a servie reduction. Turning Stanley Park into a paid parking lot littered with Taipertal Parking vending machines and sigmage is a far ery from the old days of the varnished fir stains that directed people to locations within the park. ‘the park board plan cally for 24-hour, year-round charging. At least the meters on the streets of Vancouver are free during non-peak hours, Brent D. Davies Vancouver Open Thurs., June 30 to 9pm: Fri,, July 1 from 12 to 5pm Sale ends AUGUSE 4 tor wie quantities last) The classic lightweight. Men's & Women’s, nts! Clip Patiifinder Clipsiiver tl! Lightwelgnt 3-person free standing dome. 2 doors. Full fly. 2 SA = A409 Reg, a 592 Reg, 139,95 189.95 No frills, weather-tight 2-p dome U.S.A. poles 2 year Guarantee 99 Monashee Super compact, light weight rectangular summer bag. 41 Folarguard. 3 lbs total. _‘ total. Purcell 3 season backpacking tapered bag In tiny stuff-sack, 3 1/2 Ibs Clipsilver Vi Buy of a Lifetime! An absolutely incredible price for B.C.’s most * popular, lightweight family camping tent. CAE % £400 4 99 Reg. 288. 95" Selkirk Roomy, comfy, luxurious 3-season rectangular camping bag, 2 Ibs Polarguard. 4 Ibs total. GC lifetime guarantee 1°c lifetime guarantee °C lifetime guarantee Bugaboos Pharaohs Ray Bans KB50 Photochromic, ail weather amber tint glass lenses Polarized, ground and polished glass lenses 95 Reg. 69,95 Sierra Lite fl A little more support and stiffness. Men's and Women’s. Sierras & Ryders Polycarbonate and acrylic, . 100% U.V. protection 5” 50% Mt. Diablo Il A superior light hiker at an unbeatable price, § Reg. . $ 99 59.95 69.95 All Weather rashions ° Adventure Travel ° Camping e Hiking : (Hurry for best selection) \ Since 1979 at 201 Lonsdale © 980-3873. Open Hours: Mon. -Fhurs.10-6