Pot activists have exposed our ‘lack of political courage’
The Vancouver park board has been clear in refusing to permit 4/20 organizers to use Sunset Beach for their annual cannabis festival and trade show. The board is the democratically elected authority charged with protecting and maintaining Vancouver’s parks for the benefit of all. Its reasons have been reasonable and rational.
Pot activist Dana Larsen and his 4/20 team’s response to the board has simply been: “You are not the boss of me.”
Turns out he’s right. The board has failed miserably to carry out the responsibility given them by Vancouver voters. Unfortunately, this lack of political courage in responding to contempt for the law is all too common, especially when it comes from media-smart individuals and organizations.
Michael Edwards, Garibaldi Highlands
Let’s pardon all pot offences
Cannabis was criminalized in Canada in 1923 as a footnote to the racist Chinese Exclusion Act, parts of which were repealed in 1947. However, 95 years later, people are still being arrested for cannabis offences, and will continue to be after legalization.
In light of Vancouver’s recent apology to the Chinese, an apology, full amnesty and reasonable reparation for all victims of the flawed 1923 marijuana legislation is overdue. Peter Lipskis, Vancouver
Mayor, chief, didn’t do jobs
Once again, Vancouver taxpayers must pay the price for damage caused by the illegal event known as 4/20. The Sunset Park field area must now be closed for costly repairs. Just as summer arrives, residents will be denied the enjoyment this space should offer.
Why you ask? Because Mayor Gregor Robertson and Police Chief Adam Palmer have abdicated their responsibility to maintain law and order in Vancouver.
John Leonard, West Kelowna
Don’t take dogs on runs
Why do people think it’s cool to have their dog leashed to their bike as they ride it or run while their dog is on a leash? I only have to see the dogs’ tongues hanging to the ground to know that they are not enjoying it.
If you run or bike, leave your pet at home. Pets are not meant to run at our pleasure — only theirs.
Bob Grennan, North Vancouver
Minority wields much power
The Kinder Morgan pipeline dispute has brought many Canadian issues to the forefront. One is the role Indigenous people are playing in our economic well-being.
First Nations make up less than five per cent our citizens, and a number of them are in favour of the Kinder Morgan pipeline expansion.
While Canadian law is clear that First Nations must be consulted and accommodated, if the federal government ever allowed this small percentage a veto we would never get any resource development approved.
Should this small number be able to wield so much power? Has the pendulum swung too far, leading to a more divisive country?
Jock McKenzie, Parksville
Editor’s Note:
A letter published Friday quoted a study by the American College of Pediatricians, which argues that hormone treatment for children with gender dysphoria amounts to mass experimentation. The American College of Pediatricians is a socially conservative advocacy organization with about 500 members that has been listed as a hate group by the Southern Poverty Law Center for “propagating damaging falsehoods about LGBT people.” It is not to be confused with the American Academy of Pediatrics, which represents 66,000 pediatricians and supports the medical treatment of young people struggling with gender issues.