TODAY’S LETTERS

Bustling Squamish doesn’t need expensive gondola

Re: Squamish area residents largely support proposed gondola, May 22

Squamish isn’t a resort town. Squamish is becoming an innovative, destination learning centre with four- year university programs at Quest and Cap universities, weeklong nature retreats, and month- long climbing, kayaking, and biking packages. Squamish is being built into a leader in innovative forestry, with model demonstration working forests and a proposed museum- interpretive centre, to complement the existing Westcoast Railway Heritage Park, and the Britannia Mining Museum. Squamish is also a community of young families, entrepreneurs, artists, and home- based businesses with expertise that markets to the province, country and the world. A high- cost, high- risk gondola competing with existing facilities in Whistler and Vancouver isn’t the magic bullet many people dream of. MEG FELLOWES Squamish

Mayor Robertson, Canucks get thank- you note from Ontario

I just want to say thank you to your mayor, Gregor Robertson, and to the Vancouver Canucks. I live in a small town in Ontario. My son and his friend wrote a letter to your mayor just to say hello and how much they like the Canucks. They received a great letter back from him with his promise that he would forward the letter to the Canucks. Well, the Canucks looked up his friend’s address so that each of the kids would receive a letter addressed to them at their own homes. They also included some cards of the players. I am so amazed that both parties took the time to do this for two kids who live halfway across the country. You should be proud of your mayor; I know I am. TAMMY FINDLAY Roseneath, Ont.

Procreating is not everyone’s choice, whether gay or straight

Re: Differences between men and women are clear, Letters, May 23

I am not really sure what sparked Bozenna Siedlecka to write this letter, but let me assure you, Bozenna, that I am both gay and a naturally born human being who walks the planet beside you. It is amazing that a man and a woman can create new life, but realize that there are millions of naturally born human beings who are not interested in creating life as my partner of 12 years can affirm. There are also millions of naturally born human beings who are not capable of creating human life no matter how many times they try. No straight person can tell a gay person they were not born that way, just as no gay person can tell a straight person that they were not born that way. Same goes for those in the transgender community. How can anyone possibly put themselves in the shoes of someone who feels they were born in the wrong body? Live and let live. JONATHAN CROWTHER Vancouver

Now- banished HST was a ‘ more just tax system’

Re: PST remarks ‘ disrespectful’, Letters, May 23

It was with a heavy sense of irony that I laughed out loud at letter- writer Bill Brassington’s suggestion that if Kevin Falcon feels there is an “imbalance” in the GST/ PST tax system that he can correct it with the introduction of “a more just tax system.”

Now I’m not one to defend the actions of the Liberal government, but I’d like to point out that the tax system that has caused all this kerfuffle was “a more just tax system” in every way compared to the antiquated system that was the GST/ PST regime. Of course, the HST regime could have used some tweaking — such as introducing some of the exemptions that went along with PST. PAUL SHULEY Port Coquitlam

For Ahmadi Muslim, Canada is haven of peace and justice

The ongoing debate surrounding our justice system, especially following the high- profile Tori Stafford and Graham James cases, has prompted me to provide some perspective.

Sure, our justice system needs reexamination in certain areas, but that doesn’t mean it’s failing us. In most countries, tyranny and injustice dominate, while the rule of law is nowhere to be found. As a result, such countries are crippled by unchecked corruption.

The fact is, Canada is among the best places on earth mainly because of the rule of law. Everybody is safe because laws are in place to protect us and more importantly, the laws are upheld by trained and regulated law enforcement personnel. Consequently, Canada has become a haven for people suffering from injustice throughout the world. Personally, as an Ahmadi Muslim, I can testify that countless members from our community have fled state- sanctioned persecution in their homeland of Pakistan and found sanctuary in Canada and an environment of peace. AHMED SAHI Stoney Creek, Ont.

Reader touched by story of strangers’ kindness

Re: Bus driver, passengers help woman visit her dying mother, May 23

Wednesday’s Vancouver Sun published a small article about a lady who was trying to make the 12: 30 p. m. ferry to Nanaimo. She had been informed that her mother had a few hours to live and was obviously desperate to get there while her mother was alive.

Because of an accident on the Lions Gate Bridge, the bus to the Horseshoe Bay ferry had to go over the Second Narrows bridge. When the lady asked the driver if they would make it on time for the ferry, he told her he doubted it.

The lady broke down in tears and explained her situation and how she did not have the resources to travel a faster way. This is when some of the great people of Vancouver jumped in and selflessly tried to help a stranger. They took up a collection to pay her fare by float plane, and then the driver dropped her off at the Vancouver float plane base.

As a Vancouver resident, I would like to thank the people who assisted this lady. I also think the bus driver deserves credit for his part, as well as the West Vancouver Blue Bus transit system. SUSAN MESZAROS Vancouver