A8 - Sunday, June 24, 1984 - North Shore News EE mailbox [>< ‘Free speech’ is not so simple Dear Editor We feel compelled to reply to certain comments made by Doug Collins in your Sun- day, June 10th issue. According to Mr. Collins, the Keegstra case in Alberta stands for nothing more than the prosecution of a man in athe Courts for ‘‘making political statements’’. Collins is of the belief that Keegstra is a ‘‘fool’’ and is being ‘*sacrificed’’ through a criminal prosecution resulting from pressure from the Canadian Jewish Con- gress. Collins further states that Keegstra, in the exercise of his fundamental right of free speech and opinion has said and done certain things which are of a ‘‘political nature’’ such as playing the ‘“‘numbers game’’ with the Holocaust (the figure of six million slaughtered Jews is not a figment of the imagina- tion but is derived from of- ficial Nazi archives and, in particular, Adolph Eichmann, the man responsi- ble for implementation of the Nazis’ Final Solution of the Jewish Problem). James Keegstra is not be- ing prosecuted for merely making “political statements’’. He is being pro- secuted for making statements that wilfully pro- moted hatred against the Jewish people. While democracy may be the finest system of govern- ment in the world, it is, nevertheless, a system which, by its very nature, can be easily subverted. Section 281.2 of the Canadian Criminal Code (public incite- ment of hatred), the section under which Keegstra is charged, was enacted in 1970 with the intention of remov- ing certain types of conduct from the general meaning of freedom of speech. However, in the past 14 years there has not been one successful criminal prosecution under it Insulate and draftproof your home, and we will help pay Through the Canadian Home Insulation Program (CHIP), the Goverment of Canada 1s offenng taxable financial assistance of up to $500 to help make your home more energy efficient. gave up to 40 “your energy Whatever energy source you ollar se, energy effimiency 1s an excellent investment Appropniate insulation and draftproofing Can Save you a er cent of with the result that Canada ts now recognized as being one of the largest distributors of Aate literature in the Western World. Thus, in France, denial of the Holocaust is considered to be ‘‘racial slander’’ and neo-Nazi groups which disseminate this type of literature have been found criminally responsible and civilly liable in damages for their actuions. Also, in recent seizures taking place in West Germany, tons of hate literature of this kind, illegal in that country, were found to have been post-marked from Toronto, Canada. In addition, some organizations operating in the Lower Mainland of this province to- day, freely disseminate the most virulently anti-Semitic literature, the likes of which have not been seen since Nazi Germany. If the Canadian govern- ment is now moving to amend the hate literature provisions of the Criminal Code (to bring them in line with European laws), then 1t has come to recognize that laws are only effective when they are enforceable and that democracy can only be preserved by enacting laws that recognize hatred for what it is and whatever form it may take. Mr. Collins would have us believe that ‘twe either have freedom of speech or we don’t.”’ Pretty words. However, civil liber- tarians far more knowledgeable and = con- siderably more in tune with the myriad forms of hatred in the world today would disagree with the central theme of his editorial. Unfor- tunately, Mr. Collins, the issue Of ‘‘free speech’’ is not nearly as simple as you would have us believe. Jack Chivo, Ph.D Richard M. Boluboff, LL.B B.A., great deal of money, year after year, and make your home much more comfortable. Choose a certified contractor If you plan to apply for CHIP assistance for work completed by a contractor, that contractor must be listed with the Canadian General Standards Board (CGSB). These qualified contractors Guarantee that their work will be completed to acceptable standards Call the toll free HEATLINE: for advice on methods and matenals SUMMER {4 TUNE-UP ~ « SPECIAL ~~ Ernst Hofmann Parts Manaaer Test compression Replace spark plugs Repiace points -whnere applicable Replace condenser -where applicable Set distributor dwell 9 Check and adjust carburetor settings Inspect PCV Valve Check and Inspect distributor cap and rotor Check ignition wires Set ignition timing Inspect all hoses replace anti treeze Inspect brakes 4 cylinder only *95°° + tax (with this coupon) Expires Inty 15/84. JIM EATTISOR TOYOTA 985-0591 765 Marine Drive North Vancouver Or do some of the work yourself HEATLINE technicians are avallable to discuss any special problems you may have. The matenal you purchase may be covered by CHIP. Act now, we are ready to help call the HEATLINE: today Ask about CHIP and arrange for our free Computenzed analy is Of your home's energy use A hitthe work now Can Save youd lotof money next Winter, and in winters to Come Phone the HEATLINE weekdays dunng business hours (toll free) all RAO ree a ay oe ut )-267-9563 Hans Saely Service Manager Clean air filter Inspect battery and terminals adjust fan belts Flush radiator,