Dear Editor,
Re: “What would you spend on a party?” Voices column, June 23
My first thought when I read this was “is this a joke?” Does this editor not have a clue about the socio-economic make up of her readership? Aren’t editors supposed to be the voice of reason in their community?
Exactly what was the point of this editorial?
But just as an exercise in futility, here are a few points that made me go hmmmmm:
Eve, have you been to a kid’s birthday party lately? There are no balloons — they are NOT environmentally conscious and therefore taboo.
I do agree that things may have gone a bit overboard with regards to what parents will spend to impress their peer group — but correct me if I am wrong — that is their business!
Our society is built on the foundation of the Rule of Law; the Charter of Rights and Freedoms is the Canadian codification of this.
In case this is news to you, Eve, there is a part of the Charter that clearly states that you have the right to your opinion (s. 2).
There is also a section of the Charter that allows your birthday-boy: The right to life, liberty and security of the person and the right not to be deprived thereof except in accordance with the principles of fundamental justice (s.7).
You clearly stated that this person works hard and contributes to the well-being of our society — and because you are taking some liberty with your assumptions, I will assume that this person also pays taxes — a lot of taxes!
Your conclusion that “we, as a society” attribute a single value to any one member is not only inaccurate, but shows an intrinsic bias that a person in your place simply cannot act on.
May I suggest that, the next time you have a strongly aversive reaction to a conversation; you either: a) keep it to yourself; or b) utilize a more ethnorelative thought process prior to putting pen to paper.
B. Bluschke
Steveston
