London Free Press

City's anti-bullying coalition tickled pink with response

Regarding Students in the pink to end bullying (Nov. 18).

What a delightful kickoff to National Bullying Awareness Week. London was awash in all shades of pink.

We are extremely proud of the 11,000 plus students, teachers, and parents who donned pink and made a bold statement: "Be A Someone! Take a Stand!"

Bullying is a community problem that requires a community solution and as we watched the sea of pink roll by, we had hope that in our community the tides are turning.

Kathryn Wilkins and Corina Morrison

Co-founders

London Anti-Bullying Coalition

Passenger rules ridiculous

As a young driver, I am affected by the proposal to tighten licence regulations. Although I do not object to the regulations surrounding speeding and driving under the influence, I find the passenger restriction ridiculous.

To me, this law goes against two important messages we as teenagers have been taught. First, the whole concept of a designated driver would no longer be possible under these regulations. The government is telling us we can no longer take an active role in ensuring our friends arrive home safely. Second, this law is a backwards step in battling global warming.

Although one would like to think the legislation would increase the use of public transit, in all likelihood we will simply see more young people driving themselves. If a group of six friends wants to go to a movie, they would be forced to take three separate vehicles when one would suffice. This would triple the amount of greenhouse gases emitted from such an excursion.

Young people want to be good citizens. This legislation seems to be making that more difficult.

Gordon W. Vance

London

Time to share Lotto 6/49

It would be great to change the format on the Lotto 6/49 jackpot for a year to try and help the people who have lost their jobs and homes. Why not have $500,000 prizes so more people can benefit during such rough times?

I can't see why more Canadians couldn't end up with a small nest egg. To me this makes sense and it gets the money circulating. I say give it a try.

Ralph G. Francis

Woodstock

Paycheques, not postcards

It used to be that Canadians visited Mexico for a vacation. Soon we'll be going there to get a job.

Joanne Dubecki

Woodstock

Why is Quebec have-not?

Regarding the column Time to pass the hat for 'have-not' Ontario ( Nov. 4).

After getting over the shock of seeing that 59 per cent of the transfer pot goes to Quebec alone, I have some questions.

I was raised in a French Canadian home and am French on both sides of my family with many relatives born and raised in Quebec. Needless to say I have a strong affection for French Canadians. However, what makes Quebec a have-not province?

Quebec has an abundance of resources and a well-educated workforce and appears to get first dibs on many government contracts and benefits. It is often able to set policies independently of Ottawa. What on earth is Quebec lacking that makes it always the beneficiary of these handouts?

If the shoe was on the other foot -- and that may come to pass if Ontario continues down its current economic path -- would Quebec be contributing any billions of dollars to supporting this province?

There is something wrong with this picture. How did such a vital part of this country, economically and culturally, with influence way beyond its borders, become the unending recipient of these transfers? I am afraid that politicians and the media do not want to ask these questions because in fact we are paying Quebec to stay in Confederation.

Paul Theriault

London


Friday, 21 November, 2008	Subscribe	News Research Centre	Place a Classified Ad	Advertise