You called ME a moron?
Last weeks Rants contained three responses to my previous letter thanking a responsible building owner for dealing with a problem, that is way out of balance in terms of populations sea gulls. Sea gulls droppings contain E. Coli, as well as another serious contaminants. To the Water+Gulls writer, you called me a moron? There are gulls throughout the lower mainland; a recent visit to Langley centre alarmed me because the populations are so numerous. The gulls no longer live close to the ocean because of overpopulation. Why are they on our buildings if they are water birds? Have you seen the populations that are aggressive on Granville Island? Have you seen the mass of gulls at the city dump? Have you seen and heard the gulls on every building in the DTES, Howe Street, Kits, Commercial Drive, Burnaby, Surrey, Langley? The roof of the elementary school near Davie is white with droppings. I see 50-60 gulls daily using that building to live, nest, and occupy. To call someone down for speaking up (you call it whining natures alarm clock) says more about you than the person who took the time to speak up about an issue that is becoming problematic. I applaud the building owners foresight and care. I have not seen a sea gull on his roof since the controls were installed. Nothing changes unless people speak up about it, and that is a freedom still available to Canadians who care. Last weeks responses have little to do with the content of my rant, but are reactionary and show a complete disregard for what I am saying. People actually write in to complain about the complainers and call them names? That does not contribute anything to the conversation.
DK
Come on, Bob (Aug. 29 Rants, Water = Gulls). You have to admit the gulls can be noisy with all their love making and chick raising. But then, I thought the original piece was satire. I loved it.
Gary, Land of the Crows
It breaks my heart that some heartless creep killed some gull chicks because he didnt like the peeping chicks cries. We live by the sea seagulls! I was enjoying watching the mother gull and her three chicks on a rooftop grow from chicks to tiny birds. The mother gull was a good mother as she would shoo her chicks back when they got too close to the edge. I watched them flop and try again as they stretched out fledgling wings. There are worse noises like grass-cutters, sirens, workmen hammering, loud car radios, drunks yelling, etc. Now I can see the mother gull sitting on the roof by herself calling out for her chicks. I hope the pr--k gets the bad karma he deserves.
Mel
Re: Cull to arms, Rants, Aug. 29: It is totally disgusting, and illegal, that workers (thugs) killed three baby seagulls. I applaud you for calling Ottawa and reporting them. What they did is illegal and is also grounds for discipline. It is also grounds for fines and/or criminal charges. This may apply to the company where they work. I strongly urge you to contact the SPCA and report them. Second, please contact the owner of the company they work for, with the details of the occurrence. Advise them that the police will be contacted. Third, please report the occurrence to the owner of the building where the thugs were working as they may be vicariously liable. Fourth, please contact the Vancouver Police ASAP. This is the third time in as many weeks as I have heard a story like this. Animal cruelty can never be tolerated.
Tom McKenna
Thank you to the kind young men who took my mother to the hospital after she broke her wrist in Pacific Spirit Park. So grateful that you took the time to help a stranger in need.
A grateful daughter
I had a bike accident August 30 at Robson and Bidwell. The moment I hit the pavement I was surrounded by helping and concerned people who did everything from applying first aid to calling my friends. A special shout out to the young Asian Canadian guy who obviously has some medical training who looked after me very professionally until the ambulance arrived, and to the management and staff of Blends for their help...I have lived in and around the West End for over 40 years and this just reminds me of what great neighbours I have.
A thankful cyclist
