Re: “Whale harasser fined, ordered to write mea culpa,” Jan. 11.

The recent $7,500 fine (plus the requirement to write a letter of apology) for a boater who harassed killer whales by approaching them too closely is interesting because of the light it shines on our values.

In the weeks before Christmas, there were many stories about cyberbullying and the harassment of school students by others. A young girl committed suicide after such harassment. I do not recall seeing any $7,500 or even 75-cent fine relating to the incident.

Most responses from authorities appear to be to establish policies whereby teachers are advised earnestly to tell students not to behave in that manner. So we have a $7,500 fine and a letter of apology for harassing a killer whale (it was not reported whether the whale was disturbed); but little or nothing for actions resulting in a child’s death.

We, as a society, must really re-examine our values.

A.G. Beck

Sidney

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