‘Spectacle’ of officer’s funeral displays power of police
Two days after a gunman killed Abbotsford Const. John Davidson, a Toronto radio station reported that a security guard in that city was taken to hospital without vital signs after being stabbed by a shoplifter. If further news about this was ever released, it’s hard to find. Contrast that with the extensive coverage about the police officer.
No Canadian military casualty gets a fraction of this attention. Hundreds more Canadians die each year in occupational deaths, often in industries far more dangerous than police work. Were their lives any less important than those of police officers?
Recognition of the Abbotsford officer’s death included not just massive media coverage but a number of public events leading up to a funeral attended by thousands, mostly police who arrived from across Canada and other countries. All that indicates the rarity of an officer being killed on duty.
People who knew Davidson personally will mourn his needless passing. But the spectacle of his funeral constituted a display of power and status by the police.
— Greg Klein, Nanaimo
Who do we serve?
Const. John Davidson gave his life in service to our community to protect us from those who do not serve anyone but themselves.
There is a Bob Dylan song I am reminded of that says, “You’ve Got To Serve Somebody.” Who do you serve? Who do I serve?
— Rudy Plett, Abbotsford
Government attack on poor
Sunday’s article states that the City of Vancouver will share their list of Airbnb hosts with the Canada Revenue Agency, thus acting like Robin Hood, taking back from the rich to give to the poor. I’m left to wonder how long until we need to share with the CRA the amount of “income” a roommate pays to help renters cover the astronomical rents of our city.
In the Lower Mainland, a two-bedroom apartment is close to $3,000 a month. The average person makes just enough to cover that rent alone. This is where living with a roommate (or Airbnb) helps make life affordable so you can do normal things like buy groceries or go out to a movie.
The government needs to stop trying to make the poor poorer.
— Brian Warman, North Vancouver
Odd priorities in Vancouver
The City of Vancouver wants to build bike lanes on all bridges but plans to close swimming pools. Is something wrong with the priorities in this city?
— Dale Laird, Vancouver
Illogical thinking
The flawed argument that “the NDP and the Greens won a clear majority” leads to the obvious illogical consequences of “second place plus third place equals first place” and “yes, you can have a pony.” I will continue to invest overseas.
— Kris Kingston, Smithers
Merry Christmas
Hoorah for the letter-writer from Richmond who echoed my thoughts perfectly regarding respecting Christmas political correctness. The retail businesses are anxious for us to spend our money for Christmas gifts, but are wary of offending anyone by wishing us Happy Holidays!
Bah humbug! Why not call it what it is? Merry Christmas! Amen.
— Mary Kozak, Langley