Dear Editor:
Re: No point to coal petition, Letters to the editor, The Record, April 17.
A reading of Reg Nordman's letter brought to mind that oft used expression "mind over matter" - but not in the traditional sense.
It appears that he doesn't mind our protest but that it doesn't matter and all protests and petitions will not change what he believes is a "done deal."
The project to trans-ship U.S. coal by Fraser Surrey Docks does not have "the permits etc., to do what they want." That is the point of this exercise - to persuade Port Metro Vancouver, indeed a federal entity, not to issue the requisite permits.
Surrey, New West, Delta and Vancouver may not have jurisdiction over the facility, but they do have concerned voters who are trying to have their voices heard and perhaps persuade the federal authorities that the whole facilitation of U.S. exports of coal to China is not in the Lower Mainland citizens' best interests for environmental and health reasons.
Why does Mr. Nordman think Canadian politicians are not as sensitive to local voices as their U.S. counterparts? After all, it was successful petitions and protests in the U.S. that led to this Wyoming coal being routed through Canada rather than through U.S. ports to begin with.
Thanks for acknowledging that opposition to this project is a "perfect political protest." There is nothing peculiar about the timing, it is just fortunate that we have the opportunity to have our voices heard during a provincial election and see where the various candidates stand on this issue.
We are not fighting here for newspaper ink, we are fighting here for a better environment and health for us and future generations. I can't think of a better or more timely cause.
What we are fighting for here, Mr. Nordman, is the hope for more voices in protest to inform and persuade our representatives - not more echoes of defeat from those who believe we have no voice or so cynical to believe that our governments are insensitive to their constituents' wishes.
So suspend your disbelief, Mr. Nordman, and join us on Sunday at the River Market between 11 a.m. and 2 p.m., and add your voice of optimism rather than be an echo of defeat.
E.C. "Ted" Eddy, director-at-large, Quayside Community Board
