Bonanza of treasures from the TC book sale
The Glenshiel retirement home has refreshed its library, thanks to the generous donors and the wonderful volunteers at the Times Colonist Book Sale.
Joanne will be able to read Where the Crawdads Sing, which she requested; Ellen has a fresh source of trivia questions for the game she runs each Tuesday.
It was, in effect, an exchange. Last month we donated about 40 books that were no longer circulating, and we came home with about the same number.
The volunteers were exceptionally kind in helping us track down some of the more obscure requests. Congratulations all round from 60 grateful readers.
Anne Moon and Carol Hill
The Glenshiel
Victoria
Try more research on the Middle East
On Tuesday, the Times Colonist published five letters disparaging the protest encampments of university students — and not one in support. I hope this letter will spell a change in that trend.
As a professor emerita of community health with a long history of teaching students the importance of democracy to a healthy society, I fully support students’ protests that ask our public universities to divest from companies that arm Israel, a state that the International Court of Justice is investigating for committing genocide. I am heartened that young people from across North America are taking the risk of being involved to try to end a horrible war.
I am troubled by letter writers who appear to be poor students of history and poor readers of political realities. Most troublesome in these letters is the evident intolerance and dehumanization of student protesters, who are young, passionate, intelligent people. There is obviously much to be done to educate the public — perhaps starting with basic lessons on the difference between antisemitism and anti-Zionism, the importance of protest for a health democracy, and perhaps a history of Palestine, commencing with a time before Israel was created.
It is by demonizing people rather than engaging in intelligent dialogue and critical education that democracy dies and civil unrest grows.
Perhaps the letter writers would do well by sitting down and discussing with the students why they are there, rather than assuming they know by sitting in front of their computers, engaging with media that supports their own views, and being annoyed.
And just maybe they should pick up some books, preferably written by Arab authors, to round out their views.
Lori Hanson
professor emerita
University of Saskatchewan
Shawnigan Lake
Those masks are to protect protesters
A letter to the editor asks “Why are the protesters at UVic wearing masks? What are they afraid of?”
The answer is retribution. Protesters at campuses across the U.S. have been targeted by university administrations, others have been fired from their jobs, and many fear harassment by counter-protesters. All of these things could happen to UVic students.
As those who support the ongoing Israeli attacks on Gaza realize that they are losing public support it is not surprising that they turn to intimidation.
Note the letter sent by 12 Republican Senators to International Criminal Court (ICC) chief prosecutor Karim Khan, warning him not to issue international arrest warrants against Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and other Israeli officials.
“Target Israel and we will target you,” the senators told Khan, adding that they will “sanction your employees and associates, and bar you and your families from the United States.” Rather ominously, the letter concludes: “You have been warned.”
The intimidation of those willing to publicly state their opposition to genocide is only going to intensify, and student protestors everywhere are wise to protect their identities.
Jack Hicks
Shawnigan Lake
Hiding your face does not help a protest
My first serious experience protesting was 2022 in front of the B.C. legislature. I spent more than a hundred hours there, waving a Canadian flag, doing chalk art, and talking to anyone who was willing to stop for a chat.
Throughout, I never thought that hiding my face would improve the situation. In addition, I always made sure to do a sweep of the lawn for garbage before heading home in the evening, starting the protest afresh the next day or weekend.
Since my experience protesting I make an effort to empathize with people who are trying to be heard.
Unfortunately, I have difficulty with that when protests involve hidden faces and permanent encampments.
Scott Newson
Nanaimo
Pickleball racket is the problem
Re: “North Saanich accused of favouring complainers over community in closing pickleball courts,” May 5.
Pickleball players are bemoaning the closure of pickleball courts at Wain Road Park due to noise complaints.
There are quieter rackets available. Pickleball players need to compromise by making changes to their equipment.
Change the racket, reduce the racket.
Glen Rogers
Victoria
Another neighbourhood disturbed by pickleball
There is no debate about the fact that exercise is good for you and that pickleball provides good exercise.
However, in the face of mounting evidence about the noise produced by this sport, the expansion of outdoor facilities in neighbourhoods is a terrible idea.
Despite expressed neighbourhood concerns about disruption of a quiet area, near a walking and cycling trail, Saanich council has decided in its wisdom to put pickleball courts in Fowler Park. They are preparing the base as we speak. Additional noise or extra traffic on an already busy road seems not to have been a consideration. Perhaps if councillors lived next to a pickleball court they might feel differently. For the moment, it seems the problem is just getting moved around from one neighbourhood to the other, without consideration for the people who live there.
S.A. McBride
Cordova Bay
Take care to stop at signs and red lights
As someone who is both a cyclist and a driver in Victoria, I can understand the appeal of not stopping when turning right on a red light, or making your stop well past the stop sign to get a better view.
Unfortunately, these moves are both illegal and stupid.
I understand that in Victoria, especially downtown, the bike lanes are set up in a way that can make it very difficult for cars to make a turn due to the lack of visibility.
However, my brakes are getting sick and tired of having to cover for those who decide to not even look both ways before advancing.
There are signs that point out a bike lane is present, but I suppose the majority of drivers seem to lack the common sense or any level of awareness to understand.
For everyone’s sake, please make a full stop at the white line on stop signs and red lights, especially in the city. I promise you, it is in both of our interests to be stopped by a painted line rather than a fully grown adult.
Ty Ferreira
Victoria
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