Time to take a stand against rising fuel prices

Page 5

What good fortune that I found your web site! I wanted to send letters to editors across Canada on an issue that affects us all, but when I got to your site, I couldn't resist taking the test on Native history knowledge.

I'm too embarrassed to tell you the results. But then I probably would not score any higher on any other history test.

Discrimination disgusts me. I've been on the receiving end enough to know that it has a devastating effect on both the discriminator and [those discriminated against]. I will not deny that I may have dished it out a time or two also during my lifetime, but it makes me feel bad inside so I made a conscious effort to eliminate it from my life.

I have lived in Regina and was shocked at the level of racism there. When I reported seeing someone trying to break into my home, the police showed up at my door with a young Native male "suspect." This in spite of the fact that the person I reported was clearly white, with light hair.

I will never forget the look of trepidation and then relief on that young man's face when I said there was no doubt in my mind that he was innocent. Nor will I forget the fact that the police asked again "Are you sure?" and then let their "suspect" go, without offering to return him to the spot where they had picked him up. I wonder how they will come back in their next lives.

Oops! I digressed from my original subject. Following is a letter to the editor, which I would be thrilled if you would print. And thanks for the excellent addition to my "favorites" list.

Dear Editor:

The blatant greed of the monolithic gas and oil giants is appalling. Bottom lines have molded the golden calf of today's society. Like most Canadians, I have watched the rapidly escalating prices at our gas pumps with disgust.

How much are we willing to take, and what can we do about it?

How far are we going to be pushed? To the limit, so I suggest that we set our own limits rather than wait until we are pushed to the end.

We must shake off the reputation Canadians have for being apathetic, and be actively concerned.

What action can we take? If we're going to overcome this giant bully we must hit him where it counts - in the bottom line.

o Start walking instead of driving to the corner store, if you don't already.

o Plan your auto outings so that several tasks can be completed at once, rather than making a separate trip for each task.

o Car pool going to work, grocery shopping and/or taking recycling to the bins.

o Use public transit at least once a week, and more frequently if you can.

o Get out your bicycle (or horse)

o Make proximity to work a consideration when deciding on a new job.

o Next time you hear people complaining about the price of gas, ask them what they are doing about it; that way we can share our ideas.

o Do anything you can think of that will reduce your gas consumption.

We will benefit in three ways: our air will be cleaner; we will get more exercise and therefore feel better; and we will curb the activities of those who would fleece us.

United we stand.

Sincerely,

Donnah Tugwell