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Youth protesters opposing coal mine applauded

Dear editor, How about some balanced reporting on the young people “loudly protesting” against the proposed Raven Coal Mine?

Dear editor,

How about some balanced reporting on the young people “loudly protesting” against the proposed Raven Coal Mine?

Associating their pictures on the front page with the article about a youth homicide trial was not fair to either story. These protestors were not armed and were peacefully trying to draw attention to

a web of systems that are all apparently insane.

I'd like to see an explanation of how it could possibly cost several thousand dollars to clean up “numerous” protest signs? Why not save the money and leave them up?

How much do you think it would cost to clean up: a toxic tailings pile “X” acres large leaching into streams and aquifers feeding Baynes Sound, a burst pipeline in a pristine wilderness, or a leaking oil tanker “Y” times the size of the Exxon Valdez ruining our coast?

It is indeed unfortunate that this direct action made some people feel threatened as they went about their banking business. I'm guessing that the young protestors also feel that their safety and security are being threatened.

It does not seem at all like business as usual in our province and nation when the governments continue to put corporate interests above democracy, concern for the rights of their citizens, and environmental sustainability.

The right to public hearing has been made into a sham, scientists have been censored, environmental protection we once achieved is being diluted, fair play and honesty are not upheld. This is the vandalism that needs to be cleaned up.

The protestors should be identified alright and they should be praised for being among the first local youth to do something to make a difference. Granted all don't agree with the methods they chose to achieve this, but it is very astute of people so young to see the connections between banks and environmental threats and to want unmask them.

Putting posters up as far as 26th street and bannering the bank represents a lot effort and determination. Calling this mere vandalism and asking for people to rat them out is wrong. Please interview them and report their concerns.

Diane Bostock,

Area C