Dear Editor: I have read with great interest the letters published in your Mailbox section concerning the article that was written about me (Constantine A. Pappas of Pappas Furs Designers Ltd.). The first realization I would like to share is that the small group of radical anti-fur activists in Van- couver use false information and misleading facts, along with emo- tional and sensationalistic impres- sions to further their feeble cause threugh free press coverage and unrealistic titerature. I am well versed with the anti- fur activists’ tactics. Their first objective, after reading a pro-fur article, or hearing or seeing one of our ads is to bombard the media in question with numerous calls or letters from their members. This is a group joint effort, that makes them appear larger, more influential, and more powerful than they truly are. I do not deem it worthwhile to address each and every letter writ- ten against the fur industry, as most of the false information con- tained within them insults the in- telligence of our well-educated North Shore readers. The North American public is becoming fed up with the anti-fur activists’ tactics. I can prove this point by giving you the following facts from the Fur Information Council of America: MAILBOX Pappas skins anti-fur lobbyists (1) A poll conducted by Bruskin shows that more than 70 per cent of all women interviewed say they support the freedom to choose for themselves what they wear; (2) A Gallup Poll last: summer said that 89 per cent of the public disagrees with the activists because of either their pressure tactics or their expanded agenda; (3) A move last February to ban fur sales in Aspen, Colorado was defeated by a 2-1 margin; (4) A similar attempt in November, -1990, to ban fur sales in Telluride, Colorado was defeated by almost a 2-1 margin. These facts combined undoubt- edly indicate that the public is on the side of the fur industry. Furthermore, the misinforma- tion campaign of the animal ac- tivists who seek to discourage women from wearing furs by claiming women in fur garments are regularly harassed and sprayed with red paint is again part of their unethical, false, and mislead- ing marketing plan. These claims are hugely exaggerated, yet the media often present it as com- mon place. North Shore News readers may be interested to know the follow- ing facts: — A survey of the four largest fur retailers who, together, pro- vide storage for over 350,000 fur coats, revealed only one incident of damage last year (lipstick on MLA defends dam Dear Editor: I read with interest on Jan. 11, a letter written by David Macaree of West Vancouver. Mr. Macaree seems to think that I reversed the statements I made in Ottawa with regard to the Kemano 2 dam project and that | am against public scrutiny of this project. Nothing could be further from the truth. When I was minister of the en- vironment I had a reputation of opening up the ministry to public scrutiny and projects like Kemano 2 was no different. _ I still. believe there should be public meetings to explain what is happening with the project and if I was the minister they would take place — and I am sure they siill will take place under the present minister. John Reynolds, MLA West Vancouver-Howe Sound 40% ° Film to Video Transferring Have your classic family Super 8 & 8mm film transferred to video cassette OFFER EXPIRES MAR. 15/91 a. Flickers Video Superstore | 1431 Marine Drive, NVan. i “Your One Stop Entertainment Store’’ OFF h this ad) 988-3394 a 988-7778 A. John Lakes, James L. Straith and David J. Bilinsky are pleased to announce the merger of their law firms. Commencing February 1, 1991 they shall carry on the Practice of Law as Lakes, Straith « Bilinsky Lawyers 202-1217 Lonsdale Ave., North Vancouver 984-3646 Sunday, February 10, 1991 - North Shore News - 7 ae | RETIRED PROFESSIONAL PICTURE FRAMER ¢ HIGH QUALITY e¢ HOME WORKSHOP ° REASONABLE PRICES ® WIDE CHOICE OF MATERIALS 922-7878 Anytime the back of a white fur). — Central Fur Storage, the largest fur coat cleaners in New York (500,000 cleaned last year). reported only one incident in the last two years and it cannot even be confirmed that the particular incident was related to vandalism. — In a national poll conducted in March, 1989, by ABC News, & 100 per cent of women fur owners . answered ‘‘No’’ to the question, “Has anyone ever sprayed your fur with paint to protest your wearing it?’’ — In New York City, the Fur Industry has no knowledge of any reports or charges filed with police with respect to any fur wearer be- ing sprayed with paint. Every consumer has the right to decide what he or she will wear, whether it be fur, goose down, leather, cashmere or wool. The animal activists, if they had their way, would prevent you from wearing all of the above natural products because they are all derived from animals. Their agenda is to halt the use of all animals for whatever pur- pose by any means, including a misinformation campaign. The fur industry is committed to the responsible care of fur- bearing animals and the right of the consumer to enjoy a garment of quality and craftsmanship. There are rarely any valid facts behind the animal activists’ claims about our industry. Constantine A. Pappas President Pappas Furs Designers Ltd. Me cee mes ee ee ee ee nen 988-6321] ©. Kenneth J. Baxter Lawyer 310 - 145 Chadwick Court, North Vancouver (just south of the market — next to the Seabus) Lonsdale Quay Plaza DRAPERIES BY 5S. 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