False logic
David Mathias (letter, Dec. 8) makes the bold assertion that “Most atmospheric scientists have concluded that carbon dioxide is not a significant factor in atmospheric warming.” As anyone who is able navigate the Internet can attest to, that statement is a total falsehood. I suppose Mathias thinks that his next sentence supplies the missing logic, since he states that “Water vapour is far more significant.”
If that’s the case, then he should have simply stated the truth: water vapour is more significant than carbon dioxide in heating the planet. That doesn’t mean that carbon dioxide has zero significance. In fact, carbon dioxide provides the tipping point, since the extra CO2 liberated from the ground during the industrial revolution is the real issue (along with methane, and a few other chemicals).
Mathias’s false logic is like saying that since arson is a less significant crime than genocide, then it must not be a crime at all.
Evan Bedford, Red Deer
Dental services denied
The cost of a standard checkup in Alberta ($367.36) is 210 per cent higher than in British Columbia ($174). Alberta dental rates are the highest in Canada. At what level do Alberta’s families say enough is enough. Many families and employees without company benefit plans cannot afford these rates and thus are effectively denied service.
Alberta is the only province without a fee guide, which has led to significantly varying rates between dentists.
Dentists are prohibited from advertising their rates by the Alberta Dental Association because in their words it is “unethical.” I would have thought dentists colluding to set artificially high dental rates would be unethical. Let`s call it what it really is – not allowing dentists to advertise is a simple measure to avoid free market forces from influencing pricing. Whose interest does this serve, not yours!
Kudos to Alberta’s health minister, Sarah Hoffman for recognizing that this is a problem and that something needs to be done.
Gary Cole, Red Deer
Riverlands redevelopment
A note to the City of Red Deer — please quit building so many high-density neighbourhoods. Many of the citizens of Red Deer do not wish to live in high density areas, nor do we want to go to any businesses or residences in high density areas. It is very difficult to drive in these neighbourhoods. (We live in Alberta, Canada. Not everyone owns little Smart cars, nor do we want to. Some of us require trucks to get to and from work. Some of us require SUVs due to the size of our families. Others, just might prefer a larger vehicle. Everyone’s situation is different.)
Fortunately, I reside in an older area of Red Deer. I much enjoy the larger yards, and ample driving, and parking. As soon as you come to a new neighbourhood, or business area, in Red Deer, I feel like I’m a mouse in a mouse-maze, or a sardine stuffed in a can of sardines. Human beings need their space. Quit thinking of the almighty dollar. If you continue with the high density mentality, it won’t be long before Red Deer is no longer viewed as such a nice city to live in. We don’t need to become a metropolis.
Dana Hudema, Red Deer
Thank you
On Wednesday, Nov. 16, I was shopping at Walmart at Parkland Mall.
I had finished my shopping and got to the check out. I had a senior moment, and I couldn’t remember my PIN. After two tries, it still didn’t come to me, and Walmart doesn’t take cheques so I was in a situation. I can’t believe that an angel was in an aisle across from me. She came over and paid for my purchases. I couldn’t believe it. I asked, “Are you sure?”
She replied, “It’s your Christmas present.” I had tears in my eyes when I left. Thanks again. The world should have more people like you.
Merry Christmas.
Betty Derbyshire, Red Deer
Caribou killing
Re: indigenous people hold the key to caribou survival an article by David Suzuki’s on Dec. 8 in the Advocate.
Yes, they have a key role to play and that is not to over kill the caribou. Many years ago, the indigenous population was not a determining factor, but today with the indigenous ever increasing population puts grater pressure on the wellbeing of the caribou herd.
Suggestion of a moratorium on industrial activity and employment in adjacent lands to caribou migration is not an option in its self. Hundreds of years ago, indigenous people did not have the modern implements to kill caribou as they have today. Hunting caribou today is to supplement their food, which they can get at the store.
An effect of a hard winter has an impact on the caribou and also the hundreds of caribou, who have drowned when migrating across flooded rivers.
Nothing is in treaty rights that say that caribou herds must be maintained in the thousands for indigenous people to hunt.
If a moratorium is adopted, it should also contain that killing of caribou be stopped for the same period of time.
Fred Gifford, Red Deer