Props to Feeley
In a world where it is nearly impossible to get something for nothing, I was pleased to see Gerry Feeley showcased in your People column [“Picks and jimmy,” June 6]. I’m sure he’s the reason for the response on several of the calls I’ve made to Ronald Lister Locksmiths over the years, in which the individual either walked me through some things I could try myself or consulted with someone else who came up with some suggestions. In every case when it was my home lock, I was able to solve the problem without having the fellow come to me and, of course, at no cost. I had used Ronald Lister when I was at McGill, always had great service and there’s no way that I would go to any other locksmith. Nice to see this gentleman get his due.
—Rachel Green

Stick it to Sympatico
In reaction to your article “Download downturn” [May 23], I think it’s sad that you promote the myth that Sympatico is “the first and only over-the-phone high-speed Internet service available to most Montrealers.” The fact is that there are a lot of independent Internet providers out there that will not treat their clients like dirt. News flash: Rocler offers over-the-phone high-speed Internet access cheaper than Sympatico with no download/upload limit and people will actually be friendly on the phone with you!
—Alexandre Hébert

Peace etc.
Since you published responses to my letter of May 2 for two weeks in a row, perhaps I can respond.

My letter commented on your accurate description of Jewish organizations that either oppose the existence of Israel or criticize its policy towards the Palestinians [“Dissent in the diaspora,” April 25]. These represent only a small minority of Jewish thought. My letter was, in fact, contrasting these groups with the lack of any similar organizations in Arab countries that criticize the policy of the Palestinian Authority or terrorist groups towards Israel.

The writers seemed to think I was attacking Peace Now. Nothing could be further from the truth. Peace Now is not part of the problem, they are part of the solution and do indeed have a significant following. They are pro-Israel, but believe Israel must return all or most of the post-1967 territories to be part of a Palestinian state with no Israeli towns within its borders. They do not support the preposterous “right of return,” which is just a different term for the elimination of Israel. And then they want peace between these countries. Surely these policies are the heart of any possible peace. If Peace Now has any new problems, it is because of Yasser Arafat. I once believed he was capable of an honourable peace with Israel, but no more.
It is absolutely clear that instead of responding with a counterproposal to Israel’s last offer, he unleashed, or at the very least tacitly supported, a new intifada that consisted primarily of the murder of Israeli civilians on the slimmest of pretexts. Indeed, many of the admitted murderers are from the Al-Aqsa Brigade, part of Arafat’s own party. It seems that if he is to negotiate peace, he will have to be bullied into it. Many will pay a steep price for that, many already have!

Neil Schwartzman was kind enough to point out to me that Arabs were everywhere in Israel and indeed they are. In fact, while their treatment by Israel is less than satisfactory, they are citizens. They are better off economically than those in most neighbouring states and have far more rights and freedoms than any other Arabs in that part of the world. Several are full members of the Knesset, free to oppose government policy.

Now how about Jews in Arab states? There are very few. Some do not permit Jews to live there. Others have seen their ancient Jewish communities disappear in response to persecution. Those who remain have no rights. Those who left were absorbed by Israel and other countries, unlike the Palestinian refugees who are held hostage by Arab countries and told to blame their woes on Israel. I have twice been asked to work briefly in Saudi Arabia, and I would have cheerfully as I have nothing against Arabs, or anyone else for that matter. But I could not. The Saudis won’t even allow Jews to visit!
—Ken Frankel

Letters to the Editor,

c/o Montreal Mirror,

465 McGill St., 3rd Floor

Montreal, Quebec

H2Y 2G1 

Letters should include your name, address and daytime phone number.