Opinion

Editor: I would like to respond to Linda VanderHeide's letter (Coast Reporter, July 12), noting that being in a democracy is a huge privilege and not one to be used to one's advantage.

Two recent initiatives, spearheaded by B.C. search and rescue crews, have us feeling pretty appreciative that these volunteers are manning our waters and keeping us safe.

Editor: Re: Prescription for a failed drug policy (Coast Reporter health column, July 12). Thanks to Dr. Paul Martiquet for reinforcing what Educators for Sensible Drug Policy have been saying for decades.

Editor: We experienced a very scary incident last weekend and very nearly lost our beloved nine-month old puppy. Lucy is a pug/chihuahua cross (a chug) who is, of course, pretty small.

Editor: Many times in the letters to the editor section I have read complaints about the shortcomings and lack of accessibility to medical services here in B.C. My experience has been totally the opposite.

Editor: Over the last few years, I've noticed a good deal of people who are ignorant about horses on the road. I'd like to thank the people who take the time to pass us riders slowly and wide.

Editor: I now know four people on the Coast who have been victimized by a Microsoft computer scam and wanted to alert others by way of this letter. A stranger calls and says he's from Microsoft and that something is "wrong" with your computer.

Editor: We are to lose three mental health professionals here on the Lower Sunshine Coast (Coast Reporter, July 5). No need to worry, says the spokesman for Vancouver Coastal Health (VCH): "There will be no loss in service.

Editor: Compared to many countries, we experience freedom such as a democratically elected government, and freedom of speech. Such freedom is not guaranteed to have longevity.

Editor: Have you ever experienced that feeling when you go somewhere, and you have very strong feelings you have been there before, but you know you haven't. Déjà vu perhaps? This experience happened to me recently.