The Editor,
Re. “Rainbow crosswalks sought for Coquitlam” (The Tri-City News, Sept. 13).
A letter to Coquitlam city council:
I always thought that our city was run by a very rational, responsible and competent city hall. It has done some great and progressive things over the last decade.
Unfortunately, it seems the trend in all levels of government is to see who can out-PC each other. And in doing so, they are neglecting or marginalizing other sectors of our society.
Coquitlam suffers and endures many of the socials ills and tragedies that are affecting communities across our nation. We have homelessness, too many families relying on food banks to survive. Children are living in poverty, not being fed, clothed and nurtured — living in conditions and standards that are an embarrassment to a nation that considers itself one of the best places in the world.
We have an opioid epidemic killing our children. Many of our elderly are living in horrendous conditions, and I could go on.
And yet our city is considering spending thousands of dollars to turn our crosswalks into a political statement. I know what you are thinking now: What a homophobic, intolerant guy this is. Nothing could be farther from the truth. That is not how I was raised nor how I am raising my sons. Tolerance and acceptance are an inalienable right in this country.
But political correctness is being used as a bludgeon. Does every aspect of our lives have to be used as a political and social platform?
Let’s address and solve the detrimental issues that are affecting the health and well-being of our citizens first. The colour of our crosswalks are a low priority in the scheme of things.
Neil Swanson, Coquitlam
