HAMILTON SCOLDS the TYEE and VISION PARTY

HAMILTON SCOLDS the TYEE and VISION PARTY

The media and Jim Green's Vision party have sunken to new lows in their recent profile and smears on candidates.

It was really sad to read the recent (October 28, 2005 edition of the Tyee) where a number of UNWARRANTED and UNNECESSARY ATTACKS on candidate Ms Elisabeth Ball, were presented.

While it is no secret that the Tyee is a online journal with ties to the NDP, Labour and the municipal NDP party--Vision, it was absolutely disgusting that the Tyee would demean and belittle a woman who sufferred a head injury through no fault of her own. This shouldn't give rise to an ad hominem attack as is what happened.

The fact is, if Ms Ball has differently abled functions, this shouldn't reduce her to being unsuitable for public office. In fact, I would think it provides Ms Ball an inside edge on understanding diverse issues and representing folks with differently abled needs.

For a Vision campaign worker, Mike Magee, to publicly state that the "NPA would have a hard time controlling Ms Ball" is an absolute disgusting attack on women, those living with mental health needs and an affront to individuals living differently abled lives.

In the past, women, have been put down for expressing themselves and standing up for their rights, often being called 'emotional' for speaking their mind. Moreover, Mr. Magee's comments are degrading toward over 50% of the population of Vancouver. This goes to show how a party like Vision cannot lay claim to having real vision.

As for the Tyee, I hope they consider an editorial disclaimer over their ill-considered comments. Being a Feisty one Online shouldn't mean disrespecting those with different abilities or needs.

Jamie Lee Hamilton
tricia_foxx@yahoo.com