Re: Turkeys not the problem June 19

Dear concerned Mono resident;

In response to your article regarding the hunting of turkeys, I would first like to state that I am as well pro wildlife and enjoy the presence of turkeys within nature.

As a side note, the presence of these harmless creatures was brought into Ontario on behalf of the Ontario Federation of Anglers & Hunters in 1984 as well as the MNR through collaboration with the U.S. to import wild American turkeys. As well, the OFAH is also a supporter of the Elk & Wild Turkey restoration.

However, this is not the basis of my response to your article. I was disturbed when I read your article as it referenced the war in Iraq. Five weeks of ongoing shooting is nothing and serves no justice towards the soldiers that dedicate their lives each and every day for YOUR freedom. This was a reference that absolutely appalled me.

To compare our life towards a war torn country, where innocent citizens do not have the luxury to speak out, let alone see a turkey in their back yard is disturbing.

As for the whereabouts of your respect, I think we all owe it to those fighting for our freedom in Iraq so we can enjoy the comfort of wildlife in our own back yards. Words can only say so much to explain the amount of courage our military men and woman have fighting for our freedom.

I believe I speak for the majority of Canadians when I say; we do not know what it is like to live in constant fear because we do not live in a country where war is all around us. We as Canadians can wake up, smell the coffee, and enjoy the wildlife of these turkeys in our back yards courtesy of both the MNR and the OFAH. As for those in Iraq, well this is a luxury they may never get to experience.

As a young adult in Mono Township, I owe my freedom to these men and woman, and would never reference my life to theirs and as a fellow citizen I believe you should do the same.

Thankful for my freedom of speech, I will not remain anonymous,
Samantha Dickson
via e-mail