I find myself in the very unusual position of being in total agreement with your editorial (“Storms, and calm,” Editorial Digest, June 26). It is quite true that violent deaths due to gun violence have decreased, but thanks to the perception painted by the mainstream media, you’d think we all stand the chance of facing down the barrel of a stranger’s gun at any given moment. Utter nonsense.

Professor Barry Glassner of UCLA has done extensive research into the issue of public fear. He has stated that most citizens spend far too much time and effort worrying about the wrong things.

Case in point: there are many who suffer from a debilitating fear of flying. However, those who do should realize that the drive to the airport is actually far more dangerous than the flight itself. But yet, that real threat is ignored, and in most cases, not even given due consideration. There are countless examples of this bit of twisted logic that be found in our society. The fact is we live in a relatively safe environment. Let’s stop creating storms when none is needed. Kudos for a well-constructed, common-sense editorial.
DAVID MAHARAJ

Who’s right about whose rights?
Re “The enemy of your enemy of your enemy of your enemy of your enemy of your enemy is now your friend,” City, June 26: Ezra Levant is fighting the good fight for the left, the right and everyone in between. The human-rights commissions, acting in collusion, have decided that they have both the brains and the power to censor the press, including internet blogs and comments. They certainly don’t have the former and they only have the latter if we’re dumb enough to concede it to them. Crude attempts to outlaw speech deemed offensive by self-appointed thugs must be opposed at all costs because next time the fascists won’t be coming for Ezra Levant or Mark Steyn, they’ll be coming for you.
EYES_R_LISTENING
(VIA EYEWEEKLY.COM)

Ezra Levant has done more harm to the free-speech issue than many of his followers would wish to acknowledge. Instead of arguing the facts of Section 13 (of which there is much good fodder for both sides of this argument) he decides to engage in ad hominem attacks against those who dare disagree with him. A cursory check of his website tells the entire story. Whether it’s “lesbians” or “official Jews” or other bloggers, he comes across as a schoolyard bully. Levant has much to offer in this debate, but by attacking those who support anti-hate laws in such an uncivil manner he simply turns people off. OHARA (VIA EYEWEEKLY.COM)

CLEARING UP OUR ACCOUNTS
I need to point out a small but key error in the article about me in your Pride Guide (“Health, wealth, happiness and ferocity,” June 19). My clients would be thrilled to write off their gym memberships but the rules won’t let them. It’s too bad, but even the dancer, whose body is their instrument (like the torch for the welder), can’t write off the gym… a dance class, yes, but not the gym. This means that fancy country club fees are also verboten, so at least the ruling is harder on the rich than on the poor. Funny, I have actually been starting a small lobby to work to allow all adults to write off our gyms. Now that children are allowed a fitness credit, why not give our healthcare system a boost and let the grown-ups have a credit for fitness too?
AMANDA MILLS
DIRECTOR, LOOSE CHANGE

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