Letters to the Province, January 6, 2022: Giving thanks to a good neighbor during snowstorms

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I would like to thank my neighbor who has been shoveling my sidewalks and driveway every time it has snowed this year.

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As elderly ladies (78 and 91 years old) who live in our own home, we have reached a point in our lives when certain tasks are no longer possible. Bruno has stepped in and “just does” the housework. Many of our neighbors don’t get the credit they deserve. Thank you, Bruno, from the bottom of our hearts.

Mary Jackson, Tsawwassen

Sincere thanks to those who work on behalf of so many

Recent media coverage includes criticism of the efforts of BC Medical Health Officer Dr. Bonnie Henry and Health Minister Adrian Dix working on our behalf to navigate the challenging and changing paths of COVID as safely as possible. , and of those who work to clear the snow from Calzadas del Bajo Continente.

While any job can present challenges, it is very important that we keep in mind that Henry, Dix, and city staff are working to address challenges that, with respect to COVID, are unprecedented. They are working on behalf of many of us. I think they are working selflessly and should be recognized for what they are accomplishing as they continue to grapple with obstacles that many of us cannot even imagine, let alone have to face as part of our work days.

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Thank you, Dr. Henry, Minister Dix, city staff who clean the roads, and those who work with each of you for your tireless efforts on behalf of so many of us.

Diane Gillis, Burnaby

Moral guilt and intoxication

Re: British Columbia man who killed cat and assaulted his wife does not go to jail after failing to attend birthday party

Frankly, I was a bit disgusted when I read the details of these crimes in the article. However, when I read the judge’s quote regarding the sentence handed down, I was completely shocked.

Did I miss something here? Is being under the influence of drugs or alcohol normally seen as a viable mitigating factor by our courts, something that lessens the moral responsibility of those who commit violent crimes?

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I am by no means a legal expert and I realize that I am giving an opinion without having been aware of all the information in front of the court. But to a stranger, it seems that the fact that Brendon Nguyen was intoxicated while assaulting his wife and trampling their cat to death for 11 minutes has effectively worked in his favor. I find this reasoning incomprehensible: inflicting such pain and cruelty on others should not be excused, in any way, for the perpetrator’s lack of sobriety.

Laurisa Dohm, Vernon

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