Line to Lachine now!

Okay, let me be clear about this. I have nothing against people that live in Laval, Longueuil, or any off island/on island/East-End/West- End/North and South Shore/Montreal area probably-root-for-the-Habs community, regardless of their language, ethnicity or whatever.

This is simply about principle.

I live in Lachine. It’s now apart of Montreal. This is a fact. I don’t want to brag but it’s where I pay my taxes. I want a reliable, consistent, runs frequently, is-not-affected-by-traffic public transit line. A LINE. You know, the A to B kind. Not a zig-zag through industrial Lachine motion sickness adventure. A LINE. Train or metro. Yes, we have a train but with a hugely compromised schedule.

I WANT A LINE. Not a rush-hour-only sardine can. You see this ... ___________. That’s a line. This... _/\/\/\/\/(pothole)/\/\/\/\/(pothole)/\/\/\/\ is municipally induced nausea.

Now I know every area probably can make a case for better transit. Fair enough, here’s mine: Laval currently has a metro. Laval is not part of this city. They had to dig under a river to get there, and get there they did. Apparently it’s very successful, and good for them, good for the environment, good for all of us, I’m breathing better already. I’m not trying to take away their line. I’m just saying I’m on this side of the river.

Now I know that Lachine is a consistently Liberal voting area that it has no swing vote appeal but dammit, I’m in the city, not in another city, paying taxes somewhere else on another island. (I realize I’m making Laval seem like Bermuda. Yes, this is totally unfair but you know what’s more unfair? Taking the bus from Lachine.)

I’m not only in the city, I’m on the way to the airport. You can build a line to the airport and drop me off on the way. I know the city has “plans” and “committees.” We’ve had them for 30 years. There is a big difference between an existing line and a committee. The line gets you there, the committee does not. Also, committees have donuts, which are bad for you.

I want as good a line as Laval. I want as good a line as Deux Montagnes (much better train schedule). I don’t want to move further from the city so I can get closer to city. I want a damn line. I pay taxes, sometimes only one day late. I need better transit. I deserve it.

I know all Lachine residents deserve it, but this is more of an unhinged rant than a reasonable cry for social justice. That’s too much like socialism. This is about democracy. You know, a free society that puts me first. I want a damn line!

>>Scott Faulconbridge

Dershowitz no hero

[Re: “Good company,” Letters, Sept. 17] I’d be worried if being compared to Alan Dershowitz was the “greatest compliment” Barry Merson ever received. Actually, he was placed in the Frankel and friends category, but let’s not nitpick.

With the steely efficiency worthy of an ambitious Gestapo medic in a Polish prison camp, Dershowitz has advocated legalizing interrogation techniques like shoving sterilized needles (we’re not barbarians, after all) under fingernails. And whether defending Israel or O.J. Simpson, the Harvard professor is true to the advice he proudly articulated: “It is the job of the defence attorney—especially when representing the guilty—to prevent, by all lawful means, the ‘whole truth’ from coming out.”

May I perhaps suggest to Mr. Merson some slightly more meritorious “heroes”?

>>Lina Magliola

Talking to dogs
not the answer

[Re: “Sum of bow plus wow,” News, Front, Sept. 17] I just finished reading the story about dogs helping children learn and I must say I am impressed. I mean, I get that these four-legged friends are easier to talk to than the adults these kids are surrounded by, but helping them learn? I’m not convinced.

Beyond “kids warming up to dogs,” is there any real evidence that these kinds of interactions will potentially change their lives by allowing them to learn basic skills? I find it fitting too that this organization is working primarily for underprivileged children, using them as what looks like guinea pigs for their left-of-centre ideas. Why experiment on these kids?

There’s no question that kids from violent neighbourhoods need social programs and guidance more than most, but is talking to dogs really the answer? Considering the problems they already face, isn’t this kind of communication with an animal just one more knock against them?

>>Cathy McCraken

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