Re: “Hall’s choice was his own,” Letters, October 26, and “Airline of arrogance,” October 19
Surely I can’t be the only one to rebut the mouthful by Steve Fawcett that took up 30 square inches of newsprint hammering on a potentially valid point. When his point was finally made, Fawcett’s examples and laughable scenarios lacked weight after constantly putting down our town’s editor. Apparently having a weekly column isn’t the only pre-requisite to being heard. Anyone can write in.
Bob Hall’s column called to mind the actions of airline staff at Toronto International Airport a half dozen years ago. A lady, a senior, had stood in line for an inordinate length of time to check baggage due to a glitch in the staffing. They really are the longest lines. After that, she was going to have to walk quickly to catch security and boarding — the equivalent of two blocks on Baker Street. Her legs cramped up. She wasn’t going to make it.
A phone call brought two airline staff on a golf cart who zoomed in, gently assisted her climbing on, then noisily tore off to security. Was this just good customer service? Maybe. But what I saw was a coordinated effort by people who felt it was within their reach to make it happen. They appeared excited at the prospect and did it with smiles because it made them feel good to help her.
Contrast that with the Hall Family’s experience last month at the Castlegar airport.
Using a weekly column to bring personal experiences to our attention is entirely legitimate. For years now Hall has demonstrated time and time again to be a voice of reason on issues of the day. On local sports, local politics and on living in a complex society. That’s how he rose to be editor. We benefit hugely for his being so.
John Kemp
Nelson/Balfour
