What’s good for the gander should be good for the goose
With the welcome change in society’s attitude toward sexual harassment. we need to recognize that women can also be guilty.
An example close to home is the night of July 7, 1997, when several female MLAs, including Liberals Bonnie McKinnon and Linda Reid, and Joy MacPhail and Penny Priddy of the NDP, held a social event that included consumption of alcohol. The tipsy MLAs decided it would be funny to put a dancing penis toy on the desk of then-Liberal MLA Ted Nebbeling, who died in 2009, as he spoke in the legislature. This was clearly sexual harassment.
While the offenders apologized at the time, we should apply the same standards that society is using today to assess whether further action should be taken. Reid remains an MLA and MacPhail has been appointed chairwoman of the ICBC by the NDP government.
If they were men, the calls for their resignations would be long and loud.
Brian Sommerfeldt, Port Coquitlam
Pot, booze a dangerous mix
Marijuana combined with alcohol use was found in 53.3 per cent of fatal driving accidents in Washington state involving pot in 2016.
Mixing marijuana and alcohol, even at a low dosage, is dangerous and places drivers, their passengers, pedestrians and cyclists at a heightened risk of being involved in a potentially fatal crash. Alcohol causes a faster absorption of the psycho-active component of pot — THC — as well as diminishes the user’s perception of their level of inebriation or impairment.
The B.C. government must rule out placing marijuana products in the very stores that sell alcohol — something they have yet to do. To do otherwise would be a reckless and costly misstep in terms of public policy. Those who will pay for this avoidable mistake are the B.C. taxpayer, as driving insurance rates continue to escalate and lives are lost because someone choose to drink, get high and drive. Pamela McColl, Vancouver
Hit-and-run blessings
I write to extend season’s greetings and a very Merry Christmas to all, including a special shout out to the person who ran into my truck and then ran away, and, of course, the person who ran into the service loaner and then ran away.
Two $300 deductibles in one month to pay for incapable drivers who sneak away from the consequences of their actions. I hope running away from your responsibilities doesn’t leave you and your family hardpressed for money this Christmas as your behaviour has done for my family.
Ron Laing, Delta
Marpole protesters Scrooges
In response to the Marpole protesters accusing Vancouver City Hall of “bullying” tactics with regard to the modular housing at Heather and West 57th streets, are there no workhouses to feed and house the poor, as Scrooge told one and all?
Are we not a democratic society where everyone deserves a second chance and are innocent until proven guilty? I bet some of those who will be given a roof over their heads and food on their table are kinder and more considerate than the protesters.
Especially at this time of year, is it not better to give than to receive?
Lavinia Treliving, Vancouver
Gun bans don’t work
Re: Ekos poll finds that 69 per cent of Canadians agree guns should be banned in urban areas. An urban gun ban for whom? Criminals? If intended for criminals, a ban won’t work. As evidence from the U.S. has shown time and time again, gun-free zones don’t work to curb gang violence.
Steve Gunson, Abbotsford
‘Positive energy’ appreciated
Thank you for publishing Veronica Gard’s wonderful letter. It feels so inspiring and refreshing to read something that offers hope, hence positive energy for once. I couldn’t have said it better myself.
There is nothing more fulfilling during the holidays than devoting our time to good deeds and causes. Michael Brian, Surrey