DOWNTOWN UP IN SMOKE -- SO WHAT?

RE: Downtown up in smoke?, June 14

After reading Sandra Bolan's article, I had a uneasy sensation brewing
in my stomach.

When I speak with my friends who aren't from this glorious country, I
take pride in telling them how free we are as Canadians. The
government rarely gets involved in our business.

To think a council in a small town would even consider raising a stink
about a small water pipe shop raises some questions.

First: do they have nothing better to do? If you drive down the main
road in Bradford, the first thing you will notice is all the vacant
stores. It looks like a town that is depleting in population.

Since when has opening a shop in a town that clearly needs the money
been such a crime? Are we all afraid that the sweet smell of sheisha
will fill the air of suburbia in which we live? I think not.

I think it's time we stop being afraid of a simple
store.

If you are afraid your children will suddenly start lighting up, then
please educate them, but also educate them on alcoholism, which is a
far larger problem in this town.

As Canadians, we should be open to new things, not reject the things
we know little about.

As we all know, marijuana was once legal and enjoyed by
many.

So let's welcome the new store, since the owner is not actually
committing a crime, instead of pushing business away. This might cause
potential new store owners to be afraid to open their businesses.

We need the money in Bradford, so I say welcome, Happy Dayz and I hope
your store makes many people very happy.

Ashley Berndt,

Bradford