Dear Republic:

You seem to think that because of all the homeless beggars throughout the Lower Mainland, that Gordon Campbell’s economic policies aren’t working.

He doesn’t think so. For his type of capitalism, visible beggars are necessary and they are right where they are supposed to be, at Skytrain stations and bus stops, where the working poor can clearly see them on their way to work. The homeless beggars have to be there to remind the working poor to be thankful for the menial low-paying jobs they have.

—F J Daniels, Vancouver

Dear Republic:

Here's a suggestion: Do not publish any US news for one whole year. Then claim a world record to be included in the Guinness Book of World Records: for the first Canadian newspaper to have done so. Is that a challenge? As my friend says, there is hardly another nation concerned with its neighbour's politics more than its own.

—Stephan Wehner, Vancouver

Dear Republic:

Michael Nenonen has reduced the Body Worlds 3 (Issue 150) exhibit to a debate about unethical scientists vs sacred humanists. I suggest it is much more.

Body Worlds 3 is about the taboo of death. Why do we hide the infirm and dying? And why are we still fascinated by death? Body Worlds 3 is about our identities. We gaze at these cadavers and wonder who they were—that’s true, but their souls have long gone. These empty bodies suggest our youth and beauty are ephemeral, but our souls are separate from our bodies.

Body Worlds 3 is about democracy. Do we allow the lessons of anatomy to be monopolized by a medical elite, or do we encourage ordinary citizens, and yes, children, to learn about bodies and health?

I’m surprised at how many people have made up their minds about this exhibition without a visit. I think Telus World has taken a real risk mounting this exhibition, and they deserve fair press.

—Andrew Beddoes, Vancouver

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