Last Updated:Friday - 09/24/2010
October 13, 2008
WCR Letters to the Editor
It depends on what is in your heart
I must point out that Sonja Cloutier is wrong in her opinion that the Church did not allow Catholics to attend the Telus Body Works exhibit (WCR letters, Sept. 29).
As I recall, Archbishop Smith stated in The Edmonton Journal in June that if one chose to view the exhibit, to do so with reverence and respect in their heart towards the human life displayed.
Unless Sonja Cloutier knew what the state of Cecily Mills' (WCR letters, Sept. 8) heart was during the time she viewed the exhibit then I do not feel she should reprimand her for something that was not deemed unacceptable by the Church.
Personally I saw the exhibit and thought it was incredible. I already know in my heart the greatness of power the Lord has and I stand in awe of my body, his creation, every day.
I did, however, say a prayer for the souls of those whose bodies were on display and I asked the Lord to keep my heart pure in my intentions for viewing the exhibit.
The most moving moment I had while walking around the museum was when I entered the room devoted to the tiny babies who died naturally before being born.
I saw tiny babies from four weeks to eight months and it was amazing to think some people do not recognize these beautiful souls as children.
I know God can do anything and I believe he changed (and is changing) hearts when others viewed these tiny, perfect little children.
Trish Koning
Edmonton
Decisions on a child’s health rests with parents
Is there not a confusion of thinking in the present discussions in the media regarding the province’s new HPV universal vaccination program for schools? Why is no mention being made of the rights and duties of parents whose children are the subject of the issue?
The bishops have the right and duty to teach Catholic doctrine, which they are doing. Catholic parents have the duty and privilege of living out their Catholic faith. The school boards should simply implement decisions.
Neither bishops nor school boards can take over actual decision-making in matters, which belong to the parents. One can feel sure that they have no wish to do so.
To accuse them of “exposing young people to cervical cancer” is a travesty of the truth.
Would the province’s money not be better spent on publicity (as previously with the hazards of tobacco), educating both parents and young adults on the implications of this sexually-transmitted virus and the cervical cancers and genital warts contracted by it.
The public would benefit from being made more keenly aware of the consequences of this lifestyle and making their decisions accordingly.
M.S. Campbell
Spruce Grove
Edmonton must create homes for the homeless
Thank you for the statistics on our homeless (“Housing first strategy offers dignity, hope,” WCR, Sept. 29).
We need to get to the root of why we have homeless people. Some have been abused, neglected, or suffered childhood trauma of some kind. How can we expect them to survive in a society when they are not loved so how can they love themselves?
I would think that these are ones who could easily fall through the cracks. Generations of this will only continue a cycle.
Where we are spending millions on jails, should these not be institutions where we take each individual and assess them with doctors, counsellors, psychiatrists, life coaches and most important someone who can teach them that God loves them unconditionally and how to forgive those who have so wronged them.
I remember a phrase I heard once that said “God don’t make no junk” and if they experience someone showing warmth, love and compassion can we just imagine what that cycle could be like.
Let this great city of Edmonton be an example to the world.
Shirley Zago
Edmonton
Interpreter provides authentic witness
I just read the article "Sticks and Stones builds homes for El Salvador's poor: Local contractor's skills transforms a village and people’s lives" (WCR, Feb. 11).
I've seen the good work of Mr. Keogh and Mr. Wysocki, they have brought hope to a lot of families in our community. I grew up in Chacarita and I have witnessed poverty along with them.
Mr. Keogh and Mr. Wysocki are doing an amazing job, and I wanted to thank you for putting this article together so other people in Canada can see the work that is being done here.
I currently work at Dell, El Salvador, and have been involved with Mr. Keogh mainly as an interpreter and helping my community the best way possible.
Joaquin Monterroza
La Libertad, El Salvador
Federal election bullying - by all parties - offends
In response toCharles Weckend’s letter of Sept. 29, regarding the bullying tactics in federal elections, I heartily agree with his statement.
I am sorry I missed the Conservative ad regarding the bad language, about Mr. Dion and derisory music. I must have been asleep.
However, I noticed Mr. Weckend did not mention the hateful language spewed not only by the Liberals, but the other three parties in their speeches, how they hate Mr. Harper and his extreme right-wing hidden agenda. This type of foul words was repeated many times on CBC TV and radio.
Wouldn't you call this bullying tactics displayed by them all? These speeches are just as foul as you say the Conservatives’ ad was.
I am very disappointed with the CBC. This is a public network paid by the taxpayers, and this biased opinion displayed by a public network should not be tolerated. This practice can be considered social engineering to persuade the voting public to vote as the network would prefer, because the network knows best.
Carl Solonynko
St. Albert
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