Today’s children are crying for help
There are more than 100 youngsters living in homeless shelters in the Vancouver area alone because of a shortage of foster homes. This is what the B.C. Child Advocacy office has told us.
There are children living in abusive households going to school hungry, dirty and angry all over the province.
Agreed, we need to acknowledge past wrongs. But could we not do so and then move on and focus on improving the lives of today’s children? Do we need to be mired in the past, apologizing and moping and doling out money?
Could we not focus on looking after today’s children?
Elizabeth Olson
Sidney
Vaccinations are a truly remarkable achievement
My experience receiving the first Pfizer dose at the University of Victoria and the second at the Victoria Convention Centre were both pleasant, efficient and satisfying experiences.
I was truly impressed by how the clients were greeted, assisted and cared for. Questions were answered, and procedures explained with openness and sensitivity.
Specifically, the quality control and safety protocols that are happening “off stage” are significant.
British Columbia is fortunate to have dedicated and competent public health personnel, volunteers and leaders in the Ministry of Health and Island Health.
Ken Fyke
Victoria
Maritime Museum in an obvious spot
Regarding Richard McKenzie’s thoughts about using those old stone warehouses on Wharf Street for a purpose-built Maritime Museum: Yes, yes, yes.
I have written about this a number of times, not the least of which assailed Langford’s opportunistic, boneheaded proposal, so ghastly that I’ve come to think of it as a cunning prod for the deciders to reattach their heads to their shoulders.
The Wharf Street site and the available land make this consideration obvious.
To be sure, there will be obstacles (the channel is only so wide right there, and infringing on it might be a non-starter) but the potential benefits of such a location for a new museum far outweigh the negative problems.
It would help for the public to respond positively and aggressively to this proposal. It would enhance our city hugely.
Scott Hylands
Victoria
The role of martyrs, the role of lawyers
Re: “Saanich councillor at blockade with other Island politicians, hoping to get arrested,” June 9.
The point of civil disobedience is martyrdom. You disobey the law, you get arrested, you go to jail, everyone who agrees with your stance protests.
If there are enough people who agree with you, the government has to give in and you win your point.
When you say, as did Saanich Coun. Nathalie Chambers, that you are willing to be arrested on a civil charge, which amounts to a slap on the wrist, but not on a criminal charge, which has a real penalty, you are in effect giving up martyrdom for a headline.
As for Victoria Coun. Ben Isitt, who would not stand up for his principles because he wants to be a lawyer, who needs a lawyer who will not stand up for his principles?
Ian Cameron
Brentwood Bay
Unhealthy trash in the oceans and parks
I do parks and shoreline cleanups, and amongst all the trash, sadly I am finding many discarded face masks every day.
Billions of face masks and plastic gloves have already entered the world’s oceans, which is a huge concern for marine life and ultimately our health as well if we enjoy eating fish.
I saw a photo recently of a seagull that had a mask wrapped around its head and beak and it later died. I now bring along a pair of scissors with me when I do clean-ups in parks and oceans so I can cut the elastics attached to these things.
Even though I am placing the masks into garbage bags, they will still end up in the overflowing landfills, which is why it is imperative that they be cut so as no birds, marine life or animals need to suffer needlessly.
As it is, humanity’s overconsumption and waste is out of control. I urge everyone to please be on the lookout for masks and carry a pair of small scissors with you to cut the strings. Also be sure to cut them at home also after using. If we love nature, we need to take care of it.
Anne Forbes
Victoria
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