Cambie De-Construction Drove a Hole Through Democracy

What follows below is a letter from Susan Heyes, outraged Cambie Street merchant, to the Sun's Vaughn Palmer after his column yesterday on Campbell's lead in the polls:

Hi Vaughn

The validity of polls in BC are no different than the poll results that wereproclaimed in IOWA. Out by a country mile once the disengaged masses get outto vote. Further to this, as one observer put it "the very voting systemitself is tainted. Both pre-election and exit polls in New Hampshire hadObama ahead of Clinton by the same margin as his Iowa win. Diebold held thecasting vote in that state, as they and their similarly neocon-owned sistercompany ESS will accross most of the country in November".No one asked the many here who no longer have a land line what they think ofthe current climate of political arrogance. The twenty somethings are wakingup from their studies and stupor - and what is happening in the states isinfecting the attitudes up here. Hopefully, momentum will keep growing andmore people will take a stand for what is right, and show their support forthose who choose to do the right thing.

I have had first hand experience with just how hard this is to do, when theodds are so stacked against us. It is little wonder I keep hearing suchcynicism and despair from the merchants and have had a collective shrug fromthe powers that be. The bullies seem to be getting a free pass. Well, enoughis enough.

You left out the Cambie Crisis in your long list of political malfeasance.

Province of BC small business friendly? HA! This is a perfect example ofDisaster Capitalism at a local level. This abuse of power will stick, and Iwill do everything I can to see that it does.

I have worked hard to build up my previously successful life's work, and nowwith my recent year end tally, I've lost half a million dollars since late2005, and risk having to sell my home. My Lease is up in November, rightaround when I'll be taking this case to court. LOUDLY.

The hardship was preventable and is on-going - many stores losses have morethan doubled since the CFIB did its report at the end of the summer. Theripple effect with staff and suppliers has changed the lives of hundreds ifnot thousands of people. The refusal of financial help is despicable. Thearea will be compromised for years to come with steady demolition, and thediscussion of the Broadway line will fan these flames.It is a tragic state of affairs that the unconsciounable behaviour of ourelected officials is considered in any way acceptable according to thesepolls. It is not. The 'divide and conquer' strategy worked for the longesttime - especially on Cambie with the business association - but not anymore. The climate is to unite, not to divide. With any luck, and we sure ashell need it, CHANGE will be the mantra here as well.

Regards

Susan