Requiring people to have vaccine passports a bad idea
Sir: Brian Clarke’s letter of Aug. 29, “Vaccine passports needed if we’re to return to normal living,” contains so much twisted thinking it’s hard to know where to start.
His support for vaccine passports is only one step away from forced vaccinations (though he would, apparently, kindly spares people who have medical conditions).
This virus is not going away, any more than the cold or common flu is going away. Even if everyone is vaccinated the virus will still be alive and spread through the world as many more variants emerge.
Mr. Clarke has a bigger problem coming, because in the months ahead the current vaccines will offer less protection. Cue more vaccines, and boosters for everyone, and lots more money for Big Pharma.
People have to educate themselves, and let them decide for themselves if they want to be vaccinated.
Why don’t we wait until this winter when the virus is in full bloom - avoiding all the hate and ruined relationships based on fear - and see if the current vaccines fail before more money is lost and wasted on passports that further divide the country.
Remember, with vaccine passports, if you give government that kind of power, you can count on it coming back to haunt you.
Harold Buchner
Sarnia
Actually, let’s not put an asphalt trail through Tarzanland
Sir: Regarding the Aug. 12 letter from Terry Furlotte, “Let’s complete the job and extend park trail,” which requests a lighted pathway through the area known as Tarzanland.
There already exists a paved (and previously lighted) path that connects the trail from Michigan Avenue to the parking lot just inside the gates of Canatara Park.
This pathway used to be lighted, so the electrical infrastructure may still be in place. Installing lights similar to the existing lights along Michigan Avenue would complete this lighted pathway.
The Sarnia Parks Department does a wonderful job of maintaining our parks as well as the paths through Tarzanland. They regularly improve them with wood chips that don’t impede its natural beauty and wilderness setting.
It may be more prudent to revisit the lighting on the existing walkway, rather than add more asphalt and cement to our wilderness jewel known as Tarzanland.
Leo DesJardine
Sarnia
Pilot fly-in to support Sarnia’s airport was top notch
Sir: I would like to thank Mark Seibutis and the Canadian Owners and Pilots Association, the active pilots, and the many volunteers who organized and worked the open house and fly-in lunch at Sarnia Chris Hadfield Airport on Aug. 14.
I grew up around an airport and learned to fly at 16, and this event was so well done.
In total, 129 aircraft flew in to show support for the airport. At one point, eight aircraft were in the circuit waiting to land.
A spirit of flying filled the air and the community support shown was awesome. You didn’t have to be a pilot, and children were so excited to see everything.
COVID-19 restrictions were in place and followed, and many enjoyed lunch listening to the buzz of engines and watching the sky.
I was even able to able to chat with Chris Hadfield himself.
Thank you all for a wonderful aviation day.
Marie (Walker) Cebulski
Sarnia
Point Edward needs to take immediate action on speeders
Sir: As a driver, what do you think of when you see a “Slow Down” sign in someone’s yard?
Until I moved to Point Edward and experienced living in a community with a (deadly) speeding issue, I just saw them for what they are — signs. Nothing more.
Now, all I can think of is the fear and anxiety that went into deciding to display one. I see grief, terror, and above all, hopelessness.
This community has begged its council members to consider the dangers experienced daily, only to be turned away and told there isn't a problem. But how can they say that when so many households have a "Slow Down" sign in their yard? We’re terrified of waiting for something horrible to happen before action is taken.
From media reports and personal experience, I have documented eight collisions and near misses, and one fatality in recent years.
Point Edward’s response? It has ordered residents to remove all signs from boulevards by Sept. 10 or they will be removed. The village’s focus should be on prevention, not reaction.
I hope people can finally see these signs for what they are, a desperate plea to prevent accidents and deaths from occurring.
Drivers, please, slow down. Remember that a human body cannot compete against a speeding vehicle.
And next time you see one of those signs - think of the fear that went into placing it there.
The Facebook group “Stop Speeding in Point Edward” is holding an event/rally on Saturday, Sept. 18 at the Point Edward Ex Serviceman’s Club, 503 Michigan Ave., from 1 p.m. to 3 p.m. All are welcome attend and show support.
Kelsey Edwards
Point Edward
Electric vehicle are clean but have their shortcomings
Sir: Spontaneous mobility will soon come to an end due to the eventual forced introduction of electric vehicles.
EV’s are clean, and the cost annually for basic charging is a fraction of what it costs for the average gasoline-powered car.
But electric vehicles are more expensive to purchase, and one model equipped with a 40 KWh lithium-ion battery when plugged into a standard household outlet can only charge at a rate of 5 km per hour, with a full charge giving a range of just 240 kilometres.
When the weather is hot in summer and cold in winter the range is reduced.
An owner can improve charging time with a Level 2 Charger at an average cost of $500. An optional Level 3 charger will deliver an 80% charge in an hour, but costs $2,500 (US).
Most public chargers are Level 2 and offer 30 km per hour of charge. Public Level 3s can be hard to find.
Today, driving from Sarnia to Toronto (290 km) in a standard gasoline-powered car will take about three hours, regardless of whether it’s hot or cold.
An EV with a max range of 240 km will be 50 km short each way. And a public charger, if you can find one not being used, will give you 30 km of driving per hour of charge.
Charge for two hours to be safe, and a six-hour round trip is now a 10-hour ordeal.
I take comfort in being an old guy.
Ed Williamson
Sarnia