Critter coverage was crappy

I am writing in regards to the dismal article "Varmints en Ville" by Craig Segal [Cover, March 9]. Animals were here long before we were. It is humans who have encroached on their territory, it is us who have waged brutal war on their unsuspecting populations.

How telling that in Segal's fascinating compilation "When animals attack Montrealers," the only deaths or injuries that occur are those inflicted upon wild animals by humans. Describing the slaying of a coyote "in a shower of seven bullets after being flushed from her hiding place by a helicopter" in a debased attempt at humour is offensive to any compassionate person.

Perhaps the Mirror should take a crash course on the leftist principles of non-violence, tolerance and empathy.

--Andrew Plumbly, Director, Global Action Network

Two hundred years ago, print media might have delightedly described the flushing out and killing of escaped slaves from their hiding places. Today, the Mirror humorously depicts the slaying of a female coyote and trivializes the cornering and shooting of a wounded wolf by Montreal police, the sadistic drowning of 78 squirrels, the beating of a seal, the wounding of gray owls by trophy hunters. Congratulations on following in a fine tradition of oppression, intolerance and inhumanity.

Respect for animals is the logical extension of any leftist philosophy. Violence is violence no matter who the victim--and finding humour in animal suffering makes you more right-wing than the National Post. It's easy to take a supportive stance on movements that have already been accepted into the mainstream (feminism, civil rights, gay rights). But it actually takes intellect and empathy to apply the same philosophy to those with no voice in our society--and it is so very obvious from the Mirror's continually pathetic attempts to grasp and write about animal issues that you simply do not possess those abilities. You should stick to doing what you do best: fluffy, superfluous, scenester culture promotion. Leave the big issues to those who actually understand progressive principles.

--Rebecca Aldworth

--Andrew Plumbly, Director, Global Action Network

In your article on Montreal's wildlife, you suggest that cats should be kept indoors to protect them from raccoon attacks. Well, down here in NDG, we got some cats who are bad-ass mo-fos, and if any dirty 'coons are looking for trouble, we say bring it on! We'll kick their candy-striped asses and send them back to the forest where they belong.

By the way, we really like your paper. We may not be very good at reading and stuff, but we sure know good litter box liner when we see it.

--"The NDG cats"

Penis power?

Just thought I'd drop you a note letting you know how inspirational your piece on Bloodsisters was ["Pussy power," March 2]. Some people may think that spreading around reusable menstrual products and calling it political action is kinda gross and silly, but not me, Jack! I mean, the personal is political, dig? Our bodies are the body politic!

In that spirit, I'm starting up the ProstatePals. We're a grassroots bunch, dedicated to massaging our bums and battling corporate control over male health issues. Do you know how much unbiodegradable plastic is wasted in condoms every year? Well, neither do I, but I bet it's a lot! That's why ProstatePals is now selling reusable cotton prophylactics. Just soak 'em after you splurge and they're ready to go again. Some girls get squeamish when we rap about spunk politics, but they're obviously just sexist nazis.

--Jesse Brown

Thanks for the insightful article on Bloodsisters. It's refreshing to hear that people--and I don't only mean women--are still fighting against corporate control over our bodies.

In the same vein as all the anti-GMO talk of late, women have a right, like anyone else, to know what they put in their bodies (e.g. tampons) and whether or not it is safe. I propose that female hygiene products come with bold warnings like cigarette packs and, some day, food.

What is interesting about the group is that, yeah, they are concerned with their "genitalia" or what have you, but they are also interested in a greater good. One that affects not only women. Thanks for printing it.

--Geoff Radley