Following are a collection of reader responses to stories or letters to the editor for the fourth week of October 2024. They have been edited slightly for readability. 

Got something you want to add? Send an email to editor Marshall Jones at mjones@infonews.ca.

'Senseless' BC killing earns no jail time and a conditional release to Kamloops

He should be locked away for 10 years. Canada's justice system sucks. — Raymond Odland, via iNFOnews.ca

It’s nice to hear this person is turning things around, but where is the punishment for taking another persons life? There is no justice for victims in this country anymore. — Dianne Jackson, via iNFOnews.ca

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I have to admit that I'm also quite disgusted with our legal system.

I absolutely refuse to call it a justice system anymore, because there just doesn't seem to be any justice anymore. Why not let all the people out who are locked up for minor drug charges and put murderers away? Just because a person tells a sad enough sob story about their lives, doesn't mean they should get away with murder. Where's the justice for the poor old murdered man? Where's the justice for his family? And where's the justice for the murderer?

Our stupid system is literally telling us we can murder people with impunity if we just tell a sad story and cry that we're so sorry. What a sad, pathetic excuse for a legal system.

Shame on the horrible judge who refused to do his job properly. Shame on our system that lets this type of injustice occur. And shame on our pathetic, useless government that lets this disgusting system keep doing this and not taking a stand against the crime of not enforcing the laws that are supposed to keep the average citizens safe.

Speaking of which, why are all these criminals repeatedly and consistently let go, just to reoffend again? How many times do we read that 'this person, who is well known to the police' has committed another crime?

It's no wonder why the police get violent sometimes with criminals. They keep doing their job, catching these jerks, just to have the lawyers and courts set them free again. How frustrating for the poor police officers.

When will this lunacy end? When will the average, law abiding citizens finally be kept safe? When will murderers stop being let go simply because they can tell a good sob story?

Disgusted and disillusioned in Penticton,
Cheryl Aiken, via email

A South Korean adoptee needed answers about the past. She got them - just not the ones she wanted

Thank you iNFOnews.ca for including this touching article. — Robert Bishop, via iNFOnews.ca

Vernon poet John Lent immortalized in poetry collection 'Molecular Cathedral'

Wow, well done. — Bonnie Derry, via iNFOnews.ca

Mayor Hamer-Jackson leaked documents in April; investigation ruled it unlawful

Great reporting. Hope it reaches many people in Kamloops. — Robert Bishop, via iNFOnews.ca

What sobering centres are and why Kamloops is fighting for one

Personally I’m 1,000% against this, it will see minimal use as it’s for those that want the help, not need it. Huge waste of money for a select few that use it. — James Penner-power, via iNFOnews.ca

Strange looking insect with stranger behaviour spotted in Kamloops

Great article Shannon. I found one on our property a few years ago. One of the coolest insects out there. — Simone Runyan, via iNFOnews.ca

Next move unclear as Kamloops mayor learns councillor secretly recorded argument

I suppose this means we’re on for a day of Discount Donald hiding behind his alt accounts on Twitter today, gloating because he feels this article makes him look good somehow. Pity for him, a skunk never changes its stripes and pee-yew, does his attitude ever stink. — The_Draconian, via X.com

This is another example why all of council and the Mayor should be removed from office. — Jesse Johnston, via iNFOnews.ca

We need to get rid of the Mayor. The shenanigans that have occurred since he has been elected Mayor is ridiculous and an embarrassment to the City of Kamloops. As well, the cost to the Kamloops taxpayers is not acceptable and the fact is we need to get on with city business. Remember, we need to practise everything we learned in Kindergarten and if you never went to Kindergarten it is time to do so. — Linda B Love, via iNFOnews.ca

And our tax dollars are funding all this childish behaviour at city hall. The whole works of them need to go. Mayor, council, city managers, all of them. Please leave. — BrockNimby, via X.com

City of Kamloops being sued over failed counter petitions to borrow $275M

If people really didn't want this to happen, they had lots of time an opportunity to vote 'no,' online, in person and by mail. So now these people are wasting more taxpayers' dollars because they didn't get their way. Sit down, shut up and let the city grow. — lshumanitysucks, via X.com

Low voter turnout in Okanagan, Kamloops symptom of disinterested electorate

Hello,

The reason we have such a low number of voters is because we have a stupid, and decidedly unfair voting system.

Our current system of first past the post leaves almost everyone unhappy with the outcome. Where else would you get 40% of the vote having 100% of the power? It's ludicrous.

With this type of skewed voting, very few people's votes actually count. So why should they bother to try to say who gets in?

Alternatively, if we had a proper proportional voting system, each and every single vote would actually go towards determining who gets in and who has the power.

And best of all, the results from proportional representation, as seen in many countries, usually ends up with minority governing parties. The bonus with minority governments is that each governing party needs to listen to and fight for their constituents. That is, if they ever hope to get re-elected. 

Consequently, people will be excited about voting and having a real say in how their provinces and country is run. This is how to get a higher voter turnout.

— Cheryl Aiken, via email 

iN RESPONSE to newsletter editorial Monday, Oct. 21.

Your phrase of it being 'a fun' election was dead on. Like you, I like the fact that the Greens hold the balance of power and why would they want to work with either party? During the campaign, the two parties did nothing but try to insult their  opponents. In the televised debate, I think the Greens came out on top. It is too bad that she lost her seat and that is the one mistake she made - switching ridings. Thanks for all your wonderful posts, I just love them. — Nel Sarrasin, via email 

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Hello Marshall,

It saddens me that the sole objective of BC Conservative leader John Rustad, if he does not win, is to do everything in his power to bring down the government and have another election. But then, I suppose if the tables were turned the BC NDP would do the same. That seems to be where the world is at now. People cannot seem to be able to work together. If you don’t agree with me, you are against me.

Ian Otterbein, via email

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iN RESPONSE to newsletter editorial Wednesday, Oct. 23.

It’s abhorrent to me that Sonia Furstenau is leading the BC Greens and going to be the decision maker for the future of this province. She led a self-proclaimed “values” based campaign. Where are her democratic values, as she was not elected with any support to play this role. Makes me sick to my stomach. — Diana Higgins, via email 

iN RESPONSE to newsletter editorial Friday, Oct. 25.

I think I probably revealed my stance on parties previously, though maybe just Canadian ones. In my view, neither party is worth voting for and neither of the two candidates are. Donald Trump has shown himself worse, however Kamala Harris seems to have some serious faults unless I fell for fraud videos or posts. There is a third candidate for president, isn't there? I see very little about them, I would sooner vote for the third person than either Harris or Trump. The US has a write in option in elections also, do they not? I would definitely use that. — Patrick Longworth, via email

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I would definitely vote for Kamala Harris. Donald Trump scares me. — Konnie Kranenburg, via email

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I would absolutely vote for Kamala Harris. Even if I knew nothing about her, we all know lots about Donald Trump. He is a felon, a rapist, a liar and many other negative things, and says he will be a dictator, and persecute or prosecute news stations, political opponents and all others he perceives as his enemies. He admires Hitler, Putin, and all other 'strongmen' and autocrats in the world. He says he will defund SSA (Social Security Administration), the department of education, FEMA (Federal Emergency Management Agency), and pull out of NATO (North Atlantic Treaty Organization). I fear for the US if he wins. I fear for them if he loses, too, as he will again say he won and pull out every trick in the book to prove it. I suspect a civil war if he loses. If he wins, the country is on its way downhill.

How will it affect me personally? Because my late husband was American, I get an SSA widow's pension, which is about 1/3 of my pension money. If he cuts that, I would be on shaky ground. Generally, since Trump was president before, his view of things has unfortunately spilled over the border into Canada. I personally know several big Trump supporters among my community of friends. They are also anti-vax, anti-masks, some even a bit racist and who think Trudeau is a communist. They were also supporters of the huge truck convoy. So if Trump gets into office again, I see a large number of Canadians who will want to push his ideas on Canada.

Now if Harris gets into power, it would benefit Canada. She would work well with our prime minister, support NATO, help Ukraine and do what she can to surround herself with sane, healthy people who would work with her to pull up the lower economic class, support the middle class and raise the tax rates on the upper class so they would pay their fair share. Although no politician is completely truthful all the time, I feel that we can trust what she says, versus almost everything Trump says is deceitful or just plain lies.

Anyway, those are my thoughts. I have lived in three states and five provinces and am glad and proud to have been a citizen of this great country since I was born in Saskatoon many years ago.

God bless our country and keep us safe.

Leanne Topham, via email 

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I would vote for Kamala. Would never vote for Trump, he is a dangerous man. Canada will do well under Kamala, just like we did under Obama. Thanks for the question. 

Tracy Quewezance, via email 

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Kamala has my vote. — Fiona Larkin, via email 

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Marshall,

I don't believe any of the polls, all media outlets are biased. I would vote for the Republicans. Like a lot of people, I don't like Trump's unfiltered mouth, however, he gets things done. The Democrats have no leadership, unless you count Obama. — Ken Dewerson, via email 

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JONESIE: An election without a choice

Good on ya, Marshall Jones.

I find it hard to believe some of these ‘Conservatives’, mainly because I have no idea who they are. Except, they belong to BC Conservative leader John Rustad and by extension to PolliPoop (federal Conservative leader Pierre Poilievre).

Here in Kelowna-Centre we had this hard working, dependable, intelligent man putting himself out there, now he’s gone from provincial work. Next door in Lake Country, another wannabe is elected over a long serving capable woman.

There is no answer to the question, ‘Why?’

Janis Joanne Thompson, via iNFOnews.ca

To contact a reporter for this story, email Marshall Jones or call 250-718-2724 or email the editor. You can also submit photos, videos or news tips to the newsroom and be entered to win a monthly prize draw.

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