Name the protesters for what they are
Aside from all the other comments that can and will be made about the mass of protesters against the Coastal GasLink pipeline, it’s time the mainstream media began defining these folks as what many of them are: The deeply radical and dangerous left wing of the progressive/green movement.
As Canada’s Communists morphed themselves into organizations as wide-ranging as the NDP’s Waffle Group or Greenpeace or myriad other “environmental” organizations, they have tried to appear benign; all the while harbouring a desire for a new and “better” world order than capitalism.
An example is the European Union, now run largely by unelected bureaucrats — a major reason for Britain’s majority “leave” vote.
If the people currently trying to #shutdownCanada were politically even mildly conservative of any flavour, they’d be decried from the hilltops in the most outraged terms and demands for government action.
So why do the re-treaded waffle-wingers and their younger acolytes, along with their paramilitary wing, the Antifas, get a free ride? This news isn’t fake, it’s just woefully incomplete.
George Manning
Langford
Ancestry is in Canada, I’m not a settler
Four times in the past 24 hours I have heard and read the word “settler” being used to describe non-native Canadians.
My ancestors arrived on this continent, in what is now Ontario, in the year 1774. They were settlers.
People who were born in Canada are not settlers, they are Canadians. And we are now almost 40 million strong.
To refer to us as anything other than Canadian citizens is disrespectful. It appears that the “organizers” of all these protests are skilled at their chosen profession.
Some “organizers” are far more skilled than others at fanning the flames of revolution.
So as a Canadian, I would simply say to them that during our time of reconciliation, I promise not to label you a terrorist if you promise not to label me a settler.
Rick Fonger
Sooke
No mandate, no practical ideas
Re: “Behind the protests, two conflicting systems,” commentary, Feb. 13.
Victoria Mayor Lisa Helps has correctly pointed out that reconciliation with the Indigenous people of our country is a complicated issue.
However, she fails in describing “what the Wet’suwet’en situation has brought to light in a clear and practical way” is that while the protests may be clear, they are anything but practical.
Thousands of Canadians of every race, creed or religion are being kept from earning their living. All Canadians will pay for these protests with higher grocery bills, utility bills etc.
One of the points she uses to show her own commitment is the removal of the Sir John A. Macdonald statue. In her words: “At the City of Victoria, we moved a statue of Sir John A. Macdonald from the front steps of City Hall because it caused pain and suffering for Indigenous people.”
The statue was not moved, it was removed, and hidden away. And done so without the mandate from the citizens of Victoria. And against the opinion of most Victorians.
The so-called City Family has no mandate from the electorate to make city policy.
It is comprised of councillors and the mayor along with city employees and Indigenous representation. Hardly a true representation of the city’s population.
Ron Sleen
Victoria
Occasional disruption is a small price to pay
Those bemoaning erosion of the “rule of law” and/or having their lives inconvenienced by protesters are missing the point.
The right to vociferously condemn the actions of others through protests, is fundamental to a free society, and the occasional disruption is a small price to pay.
Get over yourselves. The world does not revolve around your convenience.
Greg Longphee
Victoria
A conflict between the old and the imposed
The issue that has inflamed the protesters seems to me to fundamentally come down to the conflict between the monarchy — the hereditary chiefs — and (imposed) democracy — the band councils.
Most civilizations have grappled with this, and there is no solution that satisfies everyone.
It would be very interesting to know how many of the Indigenous band members affected by the pipeline going through their territories are in favour of it because it will bring desperately needed revenues and jobs to their communities, and how many are against it because some of the hereditary chiefs disagree with it.
Jill Rogers
Victoria
An Anglican bishop sides with anarchy
For the first time in my life I wholeheartedly agree with the reported comments of Premier John Horgan on the actions of protesters at our legislature.
More importantly, as an Anglican parishioner of Christ Church Cathedral, who thus contributes financially to the diocese, I was profoundly embarrassed to note the reported processional of my bishop to the same legislature where he proclaimed solidarity with the Wet’suwet’en hereditary chiefs.
The hereditary chiefs, apparently self-proclaimed, have no legal standing.
In contrast, the legally elected chiefs, elected by tribe members, have already completed agreement with the company building the disputed pipeline, which is already in progress.
While the bishop is certainly entitled to his political views, he appears to be in solidarity with anarchy. I would suggest that he should inquire whence the hereditary chiefs are getting the funding to promote country-wide blockades.
Fortunately, unlike “hereditary” chiefs, since the reformation Anglican bishops are elected. Unfortunately, politics might still be involved. Thank goodness for a God!
M. William Davis
Victoria
Former MP says Canada looks good
Re: “Rule of law has been suspended,” letter, Feb. 13.
Everyone is entitled to their own opinions, but the similarity of our names has led many readers of the Times Colonist to conclude that my opinions are those of the writer of this letter. Not so.
For the record, the David Anderson who wrote the letter in question is not me, and my views are quite different from his.
Canada might not be perfect, but in my view there is no serious reason to be “embarrassed” or “hopeless” about this country. In fact, compared with the United States, the United Kingdom, France or any other G-7 country, we look pretty good.
David Anderson
Former MP for Victoria
Thanks to a young cyclist for quick action
On Feb. 12, I exited the Bay Centre on Fort Street.
I looked right only, still not accustomed to cyclists being able to cycle the wrong way on a one-way street. A cyclist was right beside me as I stepped out and only in hindsight did I realize the young man had protected me by stopping and falling.
I was most anxious to know he was alright and he assured me twice that he wasn’t hurt. I am most appreciative of his actions and hope the future holds many blessings for him.
S.J. Craig-Merrett
Victoria
Numbers will last longer than names
Every time a building or structure is completed and then named after a prominent figure it becomes vulnerable to the historical revisionists who emerge at a later date vent their protests, causing confusion and much expense.
Years ago, while living in Richmond, a new bridge on No. 2 Road was completed. A survey was conducted by the council inviting suggestions as to whom to name it after.
The overwhelming vote was to call it the No. 2 Road Bridge. The name does not exactly flow off the tongue but it looks like the bridge will outlast the critics.
Ken Mugridge
Salt Spring Island
Send us your letters
• Email: letters@timescolonist.com
• Mail: Letters to the editor, Times Colonist, 2621 Douglas St., Victoria, B.C. V8T 4M2.
Letters should be no longer than 250 words and may be edited for length, legality or clarity. Include your full name, address and telephone number. Copyright of letters or other material accepted for publication remains with the author, but the publisher and its licensees may freely reproduce them in print, electronic and other forms.
