Ferry cuts need action
There needs to be some very drastic action taken if we wish to fix the ferry system [“Province confirms cuts,” February 7].
After reading a recent article in the Vancouver Sun by Stephen Hume, called “Rising BC ferry fares, services cuts an ‘economic’ disaster” I was compelled to write.
It almost seems like a small part of the population is concerned about the ferries and the cost. Every person who is affected needs to write to the government and protest the cuts and fare increases. All need to demand that the ferries be returned to the highways department.
Perhaps small businesses need to start applying for assistance like the sawmill towns did when the mills shut down.
People need to start doing something instead of just sitting around talking about it. The email addresses of our so-called brilliant leaders in Victoria are on the web. Write a letter and copy to each and every one of them, then send a letter off every day. If the population of the Sunshine Coast and Vancouver Island do this, I’m sure someone will notice.
Is the premier pulling a stunt like past-premier Gordon Campbell did, thinking we are too dumb to figure out what is actually going on? If so, she needs a wakeup call.
We cannot let this government act like we gave them a blank cheque when elected; it needs to change. We have had enough and we need to tell them we are not happy with the direction they are going with the ferries and it needs to be corrected.
Larry Law
Huntingdon Street
Seawalk vegetation
To appease a few households along Marine Avenue, the second phase of the deforestation above the bank on the great seawalk has taken place [“Seawalk trees,” December 4, 2013].
These trees that were cut down were the home for many songbirds as well as crows and raptors.
Clay is the main ingredient in this bank and without the root system to bind it together more slides will take place.
The experiment with the willow branches did not succeed and all that remains is ugly spraypainted rebar.
This trail is one of the walks that give many people, young and old, much pleasure.
S. Riley
Michigan Avenue
Climate reaction
I’d like to respond to the viewpoint in the February 12 issue [“Starting from error leads to skepticism”]. I strongly disagree with Guy Hawkins about the potential for human-caused global warming. However, I think there is a far more important argument to be had here.
Let’s say, for instance, that 100 per cent of the climate scientists agree that there is only a 40 per cent probability of human-caused global warming. What are the consequences of acting or not acting on that possibility?
If human-caused global warming exists, and we do nothing about it, what is the best possible outcome? Millions of people die, 15 per cent of all species become extinct, and many of our favourite places to live become uninhabitable, all by the end of this century. The worst that could happen is that this planet becomes incapable of supporting life.
If we did something about human-caused global warming, but it was just a fantasy, what is the worst possible outcome?
We have cleaner air and water, we eat much healthier food, we all get more exercise, and we build stronger, more resilient communities.
I say, let’s pretend we are causing catastrophic climate change and do something about it.
Edward Sanderson
Manson Avenue
Successful policies create growth
Although the continued repetition of campaign mantras to “Grow the Economy” and “Economic Action Plan” [“Canada drops penny,” February 6, 2013] has not yet provided the expected increase in wealth for most Canadians, it is proving very successful in one sector. Fantastic strides are being made in “Grow the Weather.”
The entire world’s weather is benefitting from the dogged pursuit of these economic policies. The hot spots are hotter, the dry spots are drier, the wet spots are wetter and the windy spots are windier.
Opportunities for new business ventures abound. Adventure seekers are lining up for floodwater surfing, ice storm skiing, chasing hurricanes while drought desert tours, glacial meltdown 101, and famine cooking classes entertain the more sedate. Top-notch service is provided by the many temporary foreign workers employed adding a touch of the exotic no matter the destination.
“Remember the Species” is a great new board game where players identify recently extinct life forms, tracing their demise on a beautiful rendition of a world map. New TV game shows such as Train Troubles, Pipeline Pretzels and Fracking Fossils have contestants predicting the next derailment, how many barrels of leaked bitumen, or, more challenging, which fracking poison is in your tap water this week? Government subsidies for venture capitalists to keep the fossil fuels flowing freely guarantee years of prosperity in the “Grow the Weather” campaign.
Unfortunately, the BC coastal ferries are not onboard with these economic measures continuing to increase fares and cut schedules compounding their downwave spiral. With the new “Slots of Lotto” program, they may be able to keep one boat afloat with the localized version of the one-armed bandit featuring coastal marine animals formerly seen along the Pacific Coast. The Ferry-Casinos themselves have plans to produce additional revenue eliminating fuel costs entirely with banks of passenger-rowers each charged a fee for the use of this great new “Health Facility.”
The California Drought Benefit Concert was a huge success providing many families with badly needed relocation money. Thank you for your generous support.
Well done Canada! Adaptation—the key to survival.
Leslie Goresky
Van Anda
