Naramata survives because of visitors

Dear Editor:

I have rarely read such a disappointing diatribe against young people and tourists as that in the letter “YouthObsessed culture is selfish” (Herald letters, July 28).

It is this type of narrow minded and yes, selfish attitude that causes many people to dismiss seniors’ legitimate concerns with contempt.

Like that letter writer, I also live in Naramata. This doesn’t mean we own our village. The last time I checked,

Naramata was a part of Canada just like Penticton, Vancouver or Montreal. We live in such a wonderful area that, of course other Canadians who aren’t fortunate enough to live here wish to visit. Even though it was hard to find a parking spot at Manitou Beach yesterday, I heartily welcome all Canadians to this special place.

I also recognize that were it not for the tourists, the tiny restaurant and coffee shop could never survive on the spending of the local parsimonious seniors. I also really enjoy the world-class wines that are produced here, but I doubt that any local wineries could be profitable if they only had the business of the locals.

Respect has to be earned. It is not automatically conferred by age. There are as many ignorant old people as there are young people, though perhaps old people have less of an excuse as they have had more opportunity to learn things through life. Too bad not more of them have used this chance.

This would be a good time for seniors to really try to understand what young people are going through in this time of COVID-19. Many jobs have disappeared or been cut back; colleges and universities are offering inferior online courses (for the same or higher tuition fees); and at a time of life when many lifelong partnerships and friendships are formed, dating and gathering in groups is discouraged, and all the news seems to be doom sand gloom (oh yes, the Second Wave is coming this fall.)

This is a time when we need to be tolerant of all members of our community, young and old. We should be especially kind to all our fellow Canadians regardless of where they come from.

Tom Hoenisch

Naramata