Where is author’s tolerant attitude?

Hypocritical, elite, academic class quick to pass judgment but slow to be progressive

Admittedly I was taken aback by Mr. Deaton’s diatribe but it strikes me as someone who views the culture of P.E.I. through a narrow lens. Is there and have there been incidents of racism and discrimination on P.E.I.? Of course. Are they unique or particular to P.E.I.? Certainly not. Will this be the last incident? Not a chance because people are people.

Having been associated with RMC Kingston, the writer should be familiar with the inherent loyalty and respect many Islanders have for the men and women who have served in the military. P.E.I. has and will always have a long tradition of service to country. The Legion is in a way an extension of that, even with its having fallen in terms of brand recognition the last few years. Personally, I attend a peer support group almost every week at a legion in Ottawa.

I can assure the author that the one time last year I forgot to take off my hat, I was reminded quickly and repeatedly that I was disrespecting the members and the spirit of the legion, and I have over 17 years experience in the Canadian Forces. Quickly and repeatedly in Ottawa, the capital of Canada and the bastion of over-the-top politically correct behaviour!

His portrayal of islanders as being tattooed, fat and beer sucking cretins is laughably sad. Over the years my friends who are bikers and those I have met have proven to be far more loyal, trustworthy and reasonable then the hypocritical, elite, academic class who are so quick to pass judgment but slow to be as progressive as those they condemn.

I have lived away from P.E.I. for a considerable amount of time and have been asked if P.E.I. is rural or backward. I answer honestly and say yes, it is in places and that makes the people who live there normal, real and honest. What it does not do is make them bad or people who deserve to be disrespected in such a pandering and condescending manner.

I also make sure to mention the integration of and the long-standing impact of other ethnic communities such as the Lebanese, the Chinese and more recently the monks and the Amish.

The culture and demographic of P.E.I. has changed dramatically over the last few decades. In one fell swoop the author disrespects not only those born and raised on P.E.I., but the thousands and thousands who have chosen to make P.E.I. their home over that same timeframe based on their assessment of the cultural and social framework on P.E.I. That same framework he is so quick to condemn and mock. Not exactly a tolerant, progressive or helpful attitude on the part of the author.

I remain a proud islander forever.