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Despite the efforts of Fundy High School officials to hang posters and make announcements regarding Alex Sanchez' public presentation in St. Andrews ("Schools nix gay author's speech", Oct. 13), the event will not be attended by the two groups of students who most need to hear Mr. Sanchez' message.

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Students who are themselves gay or who are questioning their sexual orientation but who are terrified of how their parents and/or classmates might react will not dare to be there. Students who think it's okay to bully and harass gay students won't see any reason to be there.

The cancellation of Mr. Sanchez' scheduled presentations at high schools in St. Stephen, St. Andrews and St. George sends the message to both groups that they're right.

The gay students will get the message that they're right to be afraid. The bullies will get the message that they have license to continue.

The replacement of Mr. Sanchez' presentations in the schools - which all students would have been required to attend and would have been able to attend with no questions asked - with a public presentation in St. Andrews is completely inadequate.

During Thanksgiving week, I see very little to be thankful for in the decision made by School District 10 officials.

SARAHROSE WERNER

Saint John

Loonie is a sign of our economic shape

You don't need a Ph.D in economics to understand just what great shape Canada is in. Like your household finances, check your bank account from time to time, factor in how much you owe and that will give you a pretty good idea as to what kind of financial shape you are in.

The world benchmark is the U.S. greenback. If we can believe what we read it is in big trouble. How is Canada doing by comparison?

All you have to do is take a look at how the loonie stacks up against the greenback. It's called investor confidence.

Thursday was the biggest drop in the loonie compared to the greenback since 1971. Great for exporters who haven't bothered to modernize and think about productivity?

You bet! It's called windfall profits.

But how about the little guy, the consumer, the retiree? When he or she goes to fill up their car notwithstanding the big drop in the price of a barrel of oil, what happened?

Why? Because oil is all tied to the greenback.

How about those groceries and all the other necessities of life we were just getting used to being competitive with our neighbours south of the border? Give it a week.

You will have your answer and it's not going to be pretty!

How's our economy doing by comparison?

You be the judge.

BOB CORBETT

Gagetown

Shamrock Park needs score clock

My husband, son and I recently attended the football game between Saint John High and St. Malachy's at Shamrock Park. It was a spirited game between two great high schools with approximately 1,000 people in attendance.

How unfortunate there was no score clock at this field. As well, there is no proper signage providing directions to Shamrock Park.

Shame on us as citizens and taxpayers of Saint John that we accept this mediocrity from city hall and its responsible managers.

SANDRA BARRETT

Saint John

Police lauded for work after game

Since last spring when the Sea Dogs were in the playoffs, and the start of this season I've been prodding the police department and the mayor's office to do something about the crosswalk violations at Harbour Station. I know others have too.

This past Saturday night I was pleasantly surprised (even though I was informed before) to finally have the Saint John Police Force at the game, watching our streets.

In particular the officer directing traffic and the crosswalk was appreciated. He made sure the crosswalk was safe (which it had never been before) and kept traffic flowing.

The officers were in their very visible yellow traffic vests and looked good and left a great impression.

I heard only positive remarks from people and many thought the officers looked great and reassuring to us all.

I know I've been a pain to them but I wish to thank Officers McCluskey and Boyle plus the mayor's office. Job well done and please keep it up. I think this public appearance does wonders for your image.

Police officers are so removed from us all these days. In the old days we met and talked to them on the street.

These days, for the most part, we see them just drive on by on the way to a call or whatever. It's nice to see them in the street interacting with the public, and I think it's good for the force and in a small way reconnects us.

GEORGE SMITH

Saint John

Drinking water here is fine

In my humble opinion, our drinking water in Saint John is fine. I grew up drinking it and my family continues to drink it.

My bathtub and sink are unstained and our health seems to be OK from drinking it all our lives. Buying water and filling up the landfill with unnecessary plastic, when it is free from our taps from probably the best water sources in the country, does not make sense. We don't know how lucky we are!

LINDA WEBB

Saint John

Maintaining Lorne sells kids short

I am writing with regards to the proposed Millidgeville North Middle School. The area surrounding Lorne Middle School is not safe and although I am all for the revitalization of the north end, I don't believe it should be at the expense of our children.

The recreational facilities available at Millidgeville North versus Lorne are much better.

Transportation issues do need to be worked out.

The number of students merging into one school is of concern. Security, surveillance and more than adequate staffing need to be given great consideration.

I was disturbed by the segregation attitude portrayed by a number of the parents at the meeting regarding the closure of Lorne. I felt that they were selling their children short.

Our greatest love is for our children and our greatest fear is that something bad could happen to them.

We are asking to have our children educated in a safe environment with the utmost of facilities available to enhance their educational experience.

The District 8 School Board and the Minister of Education have put everything on the table to research all of the best options for our children, but our mayor has sold us short.

I'm disappointed in Mayor Ivan Court. Mr. Court says he's going to fight any change to the status quo. It is my understanding that a mayor of a city is supposed to represent all of his or her constituents, not just the special interest groups or those whom he or she sees fit to help.

DONNA DYKEMAN

Saint John

Volunteers help make school fun

One of the main reasons children keep their interest in school is they enjoy it. Schools deal with individual students, not numbers.

The challenge for our school system is that it has to be flexible, offer every child a good learning environment and opportunities to learn, participate and express themselves. We have to realize we do not just see the child in a classroom.

This expression could be in a play, on a football field or being part of the art club - they're all important.

Developing the whole child matters. Schools help develop and encourage character, commitment, discipline and integrity. We are social animals; being part of groups matters.

Caring about the environment, animals or other people really matters.

The environmental club, sports and theatre matter to the development of children and society. The volunteer hours are not often recognized by society. The human aspect of caring, spending time, talking to children seems to no longer matter. We know it really does, but why is it not recognized as important? Life's lessons about a caring, healthy society are being taught in extracurricular activities. There is nothing more important than the health of our planet and its people, plants and animals and how they interact.

I wish people would appreciate those extra hours by the people who take the precious time for others.

It's too valuable to be quantified on paper, but is kept in the hearts of the individual - especially children.

BARRY OGDEN

Saint John