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Saving the Yukon for all

Saving the Yukon for all Open letter to Mike Stack: Mike Stack, with all due respect, I haven't read such moronic and worthless pap as yours in a long time. Nonsensical doesn't even begin to describe what you wrote. As I read it, you are tolerant if the

Open letter to Mike Stack:

Mike Stack, with all due respect, I haven’t read such moronic and worthless pap as yours in a long time.

Nonsensical doesn’t even begin to describe what you wrote.

As I read it, you are tolerant if they follow your beliefs, you believe in freedom as long as it doesn’t impede yours, and you despise those selfish special interests-groups who interfere with your own self-interests.

And, God forbid if there is debate, because that could change the equality you so cherish, especially if it’s from those people of other provinces who aren’t as equal as you.

The issue is not the loss of what makes the Yukon so special. In fact, most of us people who, as you so eloquently noted, are from east or west of the Alaska Highway, came here because of it. It is the blatant disregard of others and our wilderness from a small group of individuals who participate in activities such as ATVing, motocross biking and snowmobiling, that is of issue. Dorothy LeBel, as a citizen of Yukon, had the right to voice her opinion and offered a valid proposal, unlike your intolerant, ignorant and hollow missive.

I, for one, enjoy the activities mentioned above. However, I understand there are areas I have no right to be in, even if they are convenient for me.

If we continue to allow the uncontrolled use of ATVs, motocross bikes and snowmobiles, we, and you Stack, will lose what makes Yukon special.

What will it take for these “ignorant individuals” to respect what we have Ð damage to property and trails, injuries to unlucky bystanders or to themselves or ultimately the loss of a life?

Self-policing does not work, your “respecting trails where applicable” (huh?) is not an option. And though groups, clubs and associations help in educating, they lack any authority. So, regrettably, rules and regulations and laws must be created to control those who are uncontrollable.

Luckily, the Yukon has given people a chance to voice their opinions to make the necessary changes.

Rare are the provinces that would do this.

From this survey an effective strategy can be developed that will benefit us all.

You seem to think it’s only people from away that have taken issue with the bad behaviour of a small minority of riders, and I would challenge that assertion. In fact, I know of a few longtime residents who would agree to more regulations.

Times they are a-changin’, it ain’t 1971 anymore and the population isn’t 5,000 and I’m thinking that unless Stack is a Tlingit or Tutchone name, you or your family were probably not from here either.

Cheechakos and sourdoughs are colourful and charming Yukon traditions certainly worth keeping. However, the simple truth is that it really doesn’t matter how long you’ve lived here or where you are from, we are all here now and we need to ensure that we maintain what makes Yukon special for all of us to enjoy, even you.

“Tolerance is giving to every other human being every right that you claim for yourself.”

Louis-Roch Gagnon

Whitehorse

See more letters page 10.