Letters  

Dear Republic:

Re: A bra made of eyelids? Republic issue 140

Michael Nenonen decries Juno audience members for booing Pamela Anderson's comments against the seal hunt while applauding Jan Arden's joke about having a bra "made entirely of seal eyelids," but offers no explanation as to why they did it. Instead he uses it as a pretext to give a one-sided and irrelevant lecture on the controversial "animal liberation" philosophy of Peter Singer, leaving us to believe, in a reversal of the laws of gravity, that Anderson is "light years ahead" of both Arden and the audience members that booed her.

But booing Anderson's comments while applauding Arden's had little to do with animal liberation or animal rights, and everything to do with the lies and vilification of eastern Canadians that streams constantly from organizations like PETA (People for the Ethical Treatment of Animals) which Anderson represents. Video footage of isolated incidents shown over and over to "prove" that the hunt is unspeakably cruel (never mentioning that someone was actually charged and probably had his license taken away because of the illegal actions caught on tape); false and illogical claims about animals being "skinned alive;" the routine accusation that East Coasters are barbarians and savages; misinformed celebrities like the McCartneys, Brigitt Bardot and Pamela Anderson amplifying the misinformation through the global media; the attempt to further harm Canada's most economically depressed communities through a consumer boycott.

This is the context in which Anderson "dared to condemn the cruelty of the annual seal hunt" at the Junos. But unfortunately for her she wasn't addressing an audience in Los Angeles or Vancouver or London or Paris, but the very people whose culture is routinely vilified by such propaganda. Of course she was booed, and she obviously expected to be. Arden's joke, on the other hand, ridiculed the hyperbole of the anti-seal hunt lobby while expressing solidarity with the people of eastern Canada, who are well informed on the issue and utterly fed up with the slander and lies.

Dear Republic:

You are to be complimented on the quality of your prose. "Police State Looms" (Republic issue 139) guides the reader through a complicated and important subject with narrative elegance. The self-effacing humor of "Globe and Mail Savages the Republic" is a delight to read; the article is quite informative regarding the Canadian press and university establishment. I have been reading The Republic off and on since 2001 and you, Kevin Potvin, have become a writer of considerable power. Congratulations.

—Ray Cushing, Powell River

Dear Republic:

Regarding your on-going “battles” with the propaganda media: I'm happy that The Republic is getting so much attention from Mr Big. Keep it up. It is up to each individual to educate themselves, as the journalists at The Republic have done admirably.

—Guy Hawkins, Powell River

Dear Republic:

Re: BC Gas may go to shadowy Carlyle group (Republic issue 140) I just read it yesterday, and I want to tell you how refreshing it was for me to read this expose. Of course, this material will never see the light of day in the neo-conservative press that predominates in Canada and the USA, so I am delighted to see that your paper has taken up the torch! Apart from the fact that it was a very good read, it was highly informative too. Thank you for your effort, and well done.

—Jean Guimond, Vancouver

Dear Republic:

I just wanted to say I am consistently amazed by how great your articles are. You provide a tremendous service to the community, locally and beyond. I hope you never get burned out! I will try to let you advertiser know how I feel, but I don’t make it to The Drive very often.

—Joe, Vancouver

Dear Republic:

A one year subscription is comprised of 25 issues? How come only 25 issues? We’re being ripped off an issue! It’s a scandal, it’s an outrage! Why, when CNN, the most trusted name in news, hears of this, all heck will break loose! Just kidding, especially about that most trusted name in news part. Potvin is the most trusted name in news in these parts and that’s why, even though I get it free at Harbour Centre, I’d still like a subscription of my very own.

—Keith Greveling, Vancouver

Dear Republic:

To all who put the paper out, thanks! We appreciate your work and commitment.

—Joanne Namsoo, Vancouver

Dear Republic:

A man I know, when thinking about problems such as global warming, loss of jobs, or something like this, used to say, “The elites will decide.” In other words, fat cat millionaires and their allies will make the important decisions that impact all of us. Then they tell us what to think about their decisions.

Most of the media in British Columbia are owned by the ultra-rich, or are influenced by them. Your paper, The Republic, has taken a different tack. I always enjoy reading it. It is a truly progressive voice in this city.

—Dave Jaffe, Vancouver