Racism ‘mental poison’
To the Editor,
Re: Racist graffiti drawn on family’s car, Jan. 31.
It was indeed sad to hear of the recent act of racism in Port Alberni.
It’s time to recognize racism for what it is: a mental illness that requires immediate attention. Hatred, bigotry and intolerance are mental poisons. They create a toxic environment for everyone and accomplish nothing of any good. History is rife with the horrifying consequences.
The early symptoms are easy to spot: racist jokes and racist comments. This is the beginning of a fear and hatred of others. It spreads through a culture of bigotry, from parent to child, and from peer to peer. And there is no better soil for such destructive thoughts than that of ignorance.
Children need to learn that the world is made up of thousands of different cultures, peoples, and beliefs. They need to see the big picture—that we are all on the same planet as one big family of mankind— our only hope of true peace and prosperity is to understand and respect each other and, perhaps one day, even to love one another.
Mark Blackham,
Port Alberni
Family should stay here
To the Editor,
Re: Racist graffiti drawn on family’s car, Jan. 31.
It made me sad to read this article about the Brown family ordeal in the Jan. 31 edition of the AV News. What a loss for Port Alberni to have this family move away over this act of vandalism.
A special education assistant, volunteer and student, a fire department employee and a young son in school. This is the kind of family that Port Alberni needs to move into the future.
Who are these people that committed this senseless act? I hope they look in the mirror and ask themselves if they contribute as much to this community as the Browns do.
If the Browns decide to move it really will be Port Alberni’s loss.
Doug Moore,
Port Alberni
Mill doesn’t need eatery
To the Editor,
I believe that the best thing that could be done now to cut costs at McLean Mill, is to scrap all plans for a restaurant at the mill, before any more money is spent on ventilation, septic or whatever.
Maybe someone with a food truck could be persuaded to go out there.
Ted Maurice,
Port Alberni
