Ei mailbox Al - Wednesday, November 16, 1983 - North Shore News LETTER OF THE WEEK Teacher pleads for her democratic rights (EDITOR’S NOTE: The following is an ‘‘open letter’ sent by the writer last week to an official of the Burnaby Teachers Assocation) This letter is to reiterate my stand for those who deem they know my mind and have been speaking for me. Before this ‘‘political protest’’ ac- tion was begun, like many other teachers, | was in great inner turmoil. I had already decided my course of action but was conversely swayed by the emotional ties to col- leagues, friends, the teachers’ aims and the mass appeal of the majority of Burnaby teachers. However, once again, after looking at the issues as dispassionately as possible, | reaffirmed my Original decision, to cross the picket line, beheving my deci- SION WAS )uUSL. As this is a ‘‘political pro- test’’ and the British Colum- bia Teachers Federation is Apology due toWVEA directors? Dear Editor: We are concerned about the letter from J.W. Hender- son about the West Van- couver Electors Association endorsements and think he should apologize to the Directors. Obviously, he was not aware of the facts. We at- tended the Electors’ Associa- tion meeting on November | at which the president of the nota union, I had the right to follow my convictions. We live in a democracy where one has the freedom of choice, but I am _ utterly dismayed by the incredible hostility of picketing Bur- naby Teacher Association members towards those teachers who are crossing. | find it unbelievable that teachers who espouse and teach tolerance of different religions, governments and philosophies are ruthlessly in- tolerant of those teachers who are of a= different opinion. To reiterate, I firmly believe in the teachers’ goals but certainly not the method. A one day poliucal protest I could have fully supported, having done so in the past, for pensions and for CUPE, but a strike I cannot in all good conscence condone. Surely a more civilized and legal way could have been found, as in Ontario. The association, Mr. John Stethem, announced that the directors had decided not to ‘*recommend’”’ = aldermanic candidates to the member- ship. He also stated that the the directors had nof inter- viewed Mr. Tom Reid because he had not declared his candidacy at the ume of the interviews. The member- ship voted for the candidates Protest Ambleside waterfront apts. Dear Editor l have been under the im pression that Ambleside waterfront properties bet ween 18th and the sashng chub were being bought up by the West Van mumicipahty for the express purpose of be ing restored to the public as a waterfront) park — (walk, grass, shade trees, benches as per Lawson Park ) Instead 1 hote it ts being planned for development including multi level, mult! family units Write your counal NOW before Nov Sth (closing date for input) capressing your opinion, before one of the last pieces of West Van waterfront ts lost to us all Mrs. B. Gerrard West Vancouver draperies by S. Laursen BCTF has always walked the fine line between being a union and a profession, at- tempting to be apolitical and therefore credible in the classroom. Sadly, we have crossed that line. I can only see this move as being detrimental. As a teacher, I believe that I am a profes- sional, but participating in a strike is neither the image nor the action of a professional. I have been accused of crossing the picket line solely for the money. Believe me, no amount of money is great enough that could make me endure what I have en- countered — the intimida- tion, the hostility, the threats, the ostracism, and the persecution. If money was the reason, I would have capitulated long ago. It is far more warm and wonderful on the picket line — the col- legial camaradenie, the visible support of some parents, the almost religious fervour of of their choice and Mr. Reid was one of them. The Direc- tors of che Association are respected members of our community who have volunteered their time in the community’s interest. They should be applauded for their efforts. Anders Hubinette Eva Lyman the teacher rallies: being a part of the majority is very easy, safe and comforting, being a part of a small minority is scary. I am disappointed in the government for not resolving this issue before this schism, | am disappointed in the BCTF for not seeking legal avenues, 1 am disappointed in the School Board for not giving us 100% support, and | am greatly disappointed in the BTA for not honoring in- dividual teachers’ democratic nghts. 1 am not letting my fellow teachers down, they are let- ung me down. | am not against the cause, only against the method. | am not denigrating those on the picket lines, I respect them. In so doing | allow them their freedoms of choice and ex- pression, but they do not allow me mine. | am not retahating against them but they are so doing to me. Muriel Parr John Piket Irma d’Erceville Joanne Webb Edward McKay Frank Beallie Jim Sweeney Marny Peirson Bill Irwin Jeanette Helmer West Vancouver CHECK YOUR CLUTCH At UNIQUE AUTO CLUTCH Specializing in all makes and models! In my heart, I am resolved that | am doing the right” thing. Having the courage of my convictions has been sore- ly tested. I can only conclude, that upon reflection in the future I will feel good and justified in my decision, as ] know many on the picket lines will feel good and justified in theirs. | only hope that living in this democracy and_ teaching democratic ideals, that [ will be allowed my rights and For Limited 7 stretching ordination stamina = for advan ed flexibility. 1 2WPRICE Hon Zalko Workout, Specializing i aerobic Cardiovasc ulat beginners convictions and not vindic- tvely persecuted for them. Lynn Block, M.Ed. Teacher Gilpin Elementary School Time Only gp, fomng, firing co strength & mtermedtate & Done to music For men and women! Ron Zaitko Workouts held Large enough to know. Mon 9% 12 00 47) 530 6 40 mane) small ermnagh to care! Tues 9% 1 30 aw 50 6 40 4 Wed 9 30 V2 OU 4w 5 30 6 1 30 Thurs 9 40 1 40 4% 540 6 30 7 30 Fri y 1 O00 40) 540 6 : > Sat 9 0 ee) 40) | The North Shore's most } "5 °°" Sun yw 1) 400 unique Auto Shoppe. 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