‘Sour grapes’

Dear Editor:

RE: Old Order Mennonites feel ‘persecuted’ by orders that closed schools, churches, Dec. 3.

First of all, you have as much right as anyone else in Canada to say what’s on your mind. It is, I believe, called freedom of speech.

I really think though, that “persecuted” and “discrimination” are very strong words and are most certainly more than a bit of a stretch.

I will go out on a limb and say that neither you nor I or any of our groups have had much experience with either around this area.

Could I please mention that your whole interview sounded like sour grapes? Even though you are chair over 69 school areas, I don’t think that carries any weight, nor should it, with telling our health unit and lawmakers how to run their show.

Also, I very much doubt that all the Old Order community is in favour of your views, or mine for that matter.

What could you tell us to make us understand why you think you shouldn’t follow the laws of our land (and yes, there are those outside your community that try the same things) and that there should be separate laws for your group just because you don’t like the laws? As far as I know we all live in Canada.

Because of freedom, you live the life you choose to live! You choose your own mode of transportation.

I think you owe our health unit an apology. They are trying to keep us safe. Please learn to live within the laws that the rest of us are supposed to abide by.

Gary Smith,
Mount Forest