I was deeply saddened to read Jennifer Thuncher’s article detailing the trials of Eliyana Stern. For no real reason at all she is being harassed and made the butt of racial slurs.
The teenage years are difficult enough without this kind of nonsense. Not just harassed at school and on the Internet, her home was also tagged with racial slurs. This is serious and it is criminal. As I read the article I could not help but think how frightened she must be in her own school, her own town and in her own home.
As Canadians we pride ourselves for our inclination to accept all people regardless of creed, color or cultural identity. Unfortunately this is not true for everyone. Maybe we are at a crossroads, a time to decide if we will move ahead with tolerance and compassion or step on the slippery slope of self-centred intolerance.
Many are embolden by racist rhetoric emanating from south of the border and other places in the world. Now is the time to track this down in our community and put a stop to it.
Ms. Stern and her family have the right and are entitled to live safely here in Squamish. The authorities have a responsibility to see that happens.
Phil Donville
Squamish
