10 — Wednesday, October 30, 1996 - North Shore News Meeting muzzle denounced Dear Editor: I refer to the report of the meeting on Quebec sovereignty organized and chaired by Mr. Ted White, MP (North Shore News Oct. 18). I am shocked to learn that my representative in Parliament encouraged and allowed the majority to silence Mr. Warren Kinsella. Mr. White’s behavior in this instance was a perversion of democratic principles. I would have expected that Doug Collins, that intrepid defender of free speech, would have protested at the meeting Mr. White’s outra- geous behavior, or would at feast in his Sunday column have denounced Mr. White * for. this perversion of democratic principles. But no such luck. The News is proud to announce regularly thar it “believes strongly in the right ... of all sides in a debate to be heard”. If we are to look on “the News as a defender of free speech, an. editorial denunciation of Mr. White’s behavior is called for... There should have been one on Sunday. * Lionel Kenner’ Nerth Vancouver a » Dear Editor: Re: the reporting of the Oct. 16 Bloc debate hosted by MP Ted White. The coverage of the above-mentioned session was inaccurate in many areas. For reference J will list them in point form. Your reporter referred to “the greying crowd But the audience was made up half of middle-aged people and half of young people. There were a few “grey heads” in the audience, but only a few. He implies is that only “grey heads” made up the audience. The lineup at the mikes in the aisles were made up by young people in their early 20s. There were only three “grey heads” visible in these lines. The applause for Mr. de Savoye was accorded him as a guest who had been invited to a hostile crowd. n eware toys made in China heads’ A few people rokt him he was a brave man to have agreed to this session. Mr. de Savoye was a true politician and replied to the questions by going around in circles until he was prompted by the questioner to “answer the ques- tion.” The reporter referred to the “three-quarter capacity audience.” The theatre was full and there were signs posted on the doors that indicated no more seats were available. That’s more than a “three- quarter capacity audience.” There were many questions asked and many excellent points brought up that should have been reported. These items are pertinent to the whole flavor of the meeting and I am certain your readers would have been interested in reading about them. All in all it was a very good session and Mr. Ted Whire should be commended for organizing and arranging this. Many contentious issues were brought up and aired. The applause that followed these issues was clear- ly indicative of the feelings of the audience which appeared to say “let Quebec go her way, we can get along without the financial drag.” It is unfortunate that those at home (your read- ers) could not get a true picture of that evening. Your reporter should have left his biases at home and reported the events as they happened. It was his duty! There were 10 in my group attending this meet- ing and their feelings were the same as mine. Ruth Dubbins West Vancouver Dear Editor: J. Russell-Taylor deserves whole-hearted . commenda- tion for his vibrant letter entitled “Purchase Canadian Products.” Like him I mourn the passing of a Canada which 30 years ago evidenced extraor- dinary potential thar never gol.to be realized. Instead, a limp public that buys anything made any- where except in Canada, and “leaders” who have neither imagination nor guts, have forfeited this nation’s control over its economy and destiny. But perhaps, if cnough Canadians will it, we can still promote “made in Canada” goods and, in the bargain, improve ‘our image tarnished by our government’s recent arms sales- to the brutal regimes of. China and Indonesia. | Christmas is approaching and it seems like that the only toys to be found in stores anywhere are all made in China. Former prisoner of con- science Harry-Wu (who will make a public appearance in Vancouver on Nov. 4) and Tibetan refugees have docu- mented the fact that toys, and some other goods as well, are produced in the slave labor camps of China’s vast Gulag that hold large numbers of political prison- ers. To buy toys made in China is to support that country’s slave labor system, Before you buy any of these tainted goods ask merchants whether they have toys made in Canada, and if they don’t, ask them why. René Goldman North Vancouver in defence of Dykeman Dear Editor: oS . What a shame that Ernie Crist chose the North Shore News editorial on the retirement of North Vancouver District Mayor Murray Dykeman as an occasion for; yet: another of his tresome rants. . ; ee The editorial was a thoughtful and complimentary review of 2 generous career of community service, Mr. Crist can. only hope that such a review of his carcer will be published * some day, and that no one writes in to trash him so gratu- ituusly. ge What a shame for Mr. Crist to reveal part of himselfin such a nasty way. : eee What a shame that the News chose to print it. °' Linda Watson North Vancouver iE CITY OF NORTH VANCOUVER / WE WOULD LIKE TO HEAR FROM YOU! LOWER LONSDALE COMMUNITY BENEFITS REVIEW Lower Lonsdale will undergo considerable change over the next few s North Vancouver. years with underdeveloped and vacant properties being converted ‘Gnto a mix of commercial and residential developments. Much of the available land in this area is currently owned by the City of The City intends to use some of the revenue generated from the sale of this land to fund community amenities in the Lower Lonsdale area. The term amenities includes such things as community services, cultural facilities and programs and subsidized housing. Recreation programs and services are being considered separately. THE PIONEER’S SWISS WATCH SINCE 1832 importers of Gemstones, Manufacturers of Fine Jewellery A Citizens Committee has been appointed by City Council to recommend what are the priority amenities. ‘To help them set these priorities, they are inviting you to attend a community event 7:00 p.m., on November 12, 1996 at City Hall, 141 West 14th Street, North Vancouver. Bring your ideas and suggestions, as well as a friend, at Capilano Mall 935 Marine Drive, North Vancouver 984-2040 Eaton Centre, Metrocown 430-2040 Mayfair Mall, Victoria 382-2040