BEAR CARE FOR TEDDY IS REALLY ADMIRABLE
Editor:
I am on vacation in Osoyoos and was really pleased to see such great coverage of Teddy the bear returns home on the first page of the Second Section of the July 9, 2008 Osoyoos Times.
The fact that you devoted such a prominent spot in your paper reinforces the notion that the public has a profound interest in bears and their welfare.
As the veterinarian who cared for this little bear I can tell you that he was suffering greatly when he was found from the effects of frostbite that claimed the tips of his ears and took the soles off his feet.
Without his mother, he likely did not enter his first hibernation in time to escape the effects of an unusually cold winter in the Osoyoos region.
The great care he received at Critter Care Wildlife Society in Langley, B.C. restored him to the completely healthy releasable bear he became.
It is unknown what happened to Teddy's mother, but in the majority of cases it is an untimely death from human inflicted causes.
The public takes considerable consolation that these wildlife causalities can be given a second chance at life in the wild thanks to the efforts of caring individuals who find and report these cases and the dedication of self-supporting wildlife rehabilitation facilities such as Critter Care.
In addition, the Conservation Officer Service is to be congratulated for transporting Teddy all the way back to his home territory from the only bear rehabilitation centre in the southern B.C. Mainland.
While it is acknowledged that such efforts likely do not have a significant conservation impact in that black bears in B.C. are still relatively abundant, the general public does care deeply about individual bears.
And, I am sure, Teddy is grateful.
Ken Macquisten D.V.M.
Managing Director / VeterinarianrnGrouse Mountain Refuge for Endangered Wildlife
OSOYOOS TIMES-July 16, 2008
CONCERN FOR THE DEAD
Editor:
The yes or no survey conducted regarding the Willow Beach proposed development (July 8), was an interesting modus to get people focused on community matters.
Mayor Slater's suggestion to sprinkle the increased output of the Osoyoos sewage facility upon our graveyard, a site of tears and lingering emotions, could again inspire resident participation via another informal survey.
If only the deceased could vote.
Luke Kurvers,rnOsoyoos
OSOYOOS TIMES-July 16, 2008
MORGANTALER'S ORDER AWARDING A 'BLUNDER'
Editor:
Re: The Order of Canada
The Order was started in 1967, to honour those who have made outstanding contributions to Canada and Canadians, in the fields of, science, arts, charitable ventures, etc.
In the past some have been given to favoured liberal hacks whose claims were very dubious indeed.
I, along with millions of Canadians, am livid with this latest blunder.
The awarding of the Order of Canada to Henry Morgantaler.
A man who has created nothing but division, controversy, and shame.
This blunder creates more and more division than ever.
It promotes a culture of death, in the name of freedom of choice.
The Order of Canada will have no honour or credibility left, unless this blunder is reversed.
A man who makes a business off the lives of unborn babies is not worthy of any honour, any contribution he claims, carries with it, the stench of death.
I understand the Gov. General of Canada, our Commander in Chief, is responsible to deliver to the Canadian people, constitutional, state, ceremonial, and traditional responsibilities, on behalf of all and to recognize outstanding achievements, and pursuit of excellence, to foster national unity, and pride.
Mr. Morgantaler does not fit any one of these requirements.
Len Albanese,rnOsoyoos
OSOYOOS TIMES-July 16, 2008
BEACHFRONT 'BULLYING' INTOLERABLE
Editor:
I left Winnipeg feeling very excited about looking for a possible retirement dream home in the interior of B.C.
The mountain charm of Fernie, the wonderful hospitality of the town of Creston began to pique my love affair with the interior of B.C.
We descended from the mountains into the desert charms of Osoyoos with its beautiful orchards, vineyards and the beaches of Canada's real desert beckoning us to refresh ourselves in its unique oasis lake.
We were so excited to finally relax anticipating fun on the beach.
For some unknown reason we became embroiled in nit-picking petty beach-front politics.
Apparently our access to the lake was peppered with a complicated maze of dos and don'ts.
Fortunately I understood what water access rights are and that's exactly what led to beachfront bullying of unsuspecting tourists.
Police were called when I didn't move far enough past the invisible lines of intrusion set by an RV park owner's jaded daughter who seemed delighted in calling in the police to have me moved four feet over.
Once I had moved once politely, which apparently wasn't enough for her liking, I had had enough and refused to move.
The police were quickly called in to settle this issue to impose the will of the owner of the now disputed beachfront land access.
Although Constable Minkey and Chaput were reasonable and relatively respectful they were forced to become beachfront security without understanding the so-called rights of the properties under legal dispute still pending over access rights.
I also know that walking along any beachfront is legal, whether the adjacent property is private or public.
I am one who refuses to be bullied!
Therefore the squirmy proprietor's daughter formed camps of supporters to announce every time I walked in the water adjacent to their so-called property claim.
I was totally within my rights at this time and she ran off again with walkie-talkie in hand.
Finally I had enough of this game and went back to my RV site to have a shower.
Our RV owners, Nadia and Tony, were just incensed when they heard this news and decided to do something about it.
Bottom line in the end the tourist takes the brunt.
I readily agreed to help them in any way I possibly could.
I'd be very willing to help this wonderful couple.
Tracy Semmer,rnWinnipeg, Man.
OSOYOOS TIMES-July 16, 2008
