To the editor:
In the Kelowna Capital News of Oct. 11, Murray Elliott [‘Inflammatory’ Terms Used for Anti-choice Lobby] took exception to terms that I used in my letter regarding the anti-abortion protesters and quoted the Merriam-Webster dictionary definitions of those terms Elliott classifies as ‘inflammatory.’
Perhaps Elliott should raise his sights a little higher than an American publication for definitions of English words.
The Oxford English Dictionary definitions:
“Bullying: ‘Use superior strength or influence to harm or intimidate those who are weaker.’
Harassment: ‘Aggressive pressure or intimidation.'”
Based on these definitions, I believe that parading signs back and forth in front of the hospital on a Tuesday is therefore, “using influence to intimidate those who are weaker.”
I also believe that using emotive language on those signs is aggressive pressure and is intimidating.
To revert to the Merriam-Webster definition of harassment: “to annoy or bother (someone) in a constant or repeated way,” three or four sign holders marching back and forth each Tuesday does constitute repeated, constant annoyance for many people.
Your limited comprehension of the English language is forgivable, but I do feel that the next time you wish to lambaste a letter writer; a little more research would be in order so as to avoid appearing ignorant.
N. Taylor,
West Kelowna
