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-CONVERSATIONS THAT MATTERS
by Jeff Turner-Hayes
January 28 2009
Dear Editor,
While reading the article "With the God-fearing types being told there's nothing to fear this is as much controversy as Calgary's seen on four wheels" I was absolutely appalled. There I was quietly enjoying a morning meal, when my mind was assailed with such an abrupt and rude truth. Calgary transit approves a bus ad, in which undoubtedly will offend a vast populous of Calgarian's. What happened to their policy which clearly states that they will not put up any form of advertisement that will offend the masses. Well quite frankly I am with Bishop Henry, and am quite offended.
If the FAC, (Freethought Association of Canada), would like to start conversation, why not open public forums for debate instead of creating controversy. I believe that many would agree with me in the fact that this is not merely an opening line for a conversation, but rather an outright attack against ones beliefs. Why must one be forced to see this while on their travel to work, school, or where-ever they may be going. It is a sheer infringement upon the mind of "believers." Now I know many would not agree with me, but if such "believers" but up an ad campaign on the city transit system, if it even made it passed an idea, there would be a huge uprising among "non-believers." It almost seems that the rights of the "non-believer" are more more valued or important than that of the "believer."
Besides, do we not have more important things in society to talk about, rather than useless banter and punches against each others beliefs. Why not talk about the important things facing our nation today and find a way in which we can stand in unity to solve these problems, rather than stand in useless debate. Personally, I think time and energies could be spent much more effectively discussing on how we can come up with solutions to issues in our nation such as, human trafficking, or bring it right down to earth and discuss ways in which we can all help our nation through the economic crisis. Whether the solutions be as simple as starting community programs, or get real serious and actually approach our government officials with our thoughts and ideas about how to help our nation through this economic time.
As quoted in the speech from the throne, "In these uncertain times, when the world is threatened by a struggling economy, it is imperative that we work together, that we stand beside one another and that we strive for greater solidarity." So let us stop our useless persiflage and actually speak about the things that matter.
Copyright 2009
