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Letters: Protesters risked the safety of everyone

A Richmond News reader believes the Save Old Growth protesters knew the consequences for blocking the Massey Tunnel
massey tunnel stall cleared

Dear Editor,

Re: “When is breaking the law justified?” Editor’s column, Aug. 11.

Anyone can break the law, however there may be real consequences.

The example of Rosa Parks’ actions and the actions of the Extinction Rebellion are vastly different.

Rosa Parks did not create any additional public risk but she was subject to the law of the times. However, the actions of the Extinction Rebellion, by blocking a YVR major intersection, access to the Horseshoe Bay Ferry terminal, and the northbound lane of the Massey Tunnel did create a significant public risk.

Fortunately, no one died. But, for this, the law, not justice, has remedies it can impose on those continuing to place the public at risk. Billings and the others understood the situation and the inherent risks and consequences.

I believe that the public’s tolerance for these types of protests has diminished. Who is Eco-Mobilization Canada (Canada Not-for-profit Corporations Act)?

Do they get grants from the Canadian government for these protests? How is the group financed? A bigger story may lie in the details.

Don Flintoff

RICHMOND