Editor:
I would like to know: Of the individuals who are protesting the development of the Trans Mountain Pipeline, how many of them drive gasoline-fueled cars? (Kinder Morgan protested, Dec. 7).
How many of them line up and leave their cars idling at the drive through as they pick up breakfast/coffee on their way to the protest area? How many of them run their engines to warm up their cars before getting into them in the morning; even when it is only -2 C. How many of them use gasoline-powered lawn mowers and snow blowers, etc. And how many of them take trips on airplanes? All of these activities use fossil fuels.
Also, how many of them buy apparel and household goods that were manufactured in places like China, Bangladesh and Vietnam, just to mention a few places from where Canada imports such goods. How many of them buy imported cars and other foreign-made gasoline-burning items such as boats and snowmobiles, etc. that have to be transported to Canada by fossil-fuel-burning cargo ships from far and wide.
I appreciate the fact that there is a very real concern that fuel spills will damage the environment as well as the oceanic wildlife. However, as long as people are using fossil fuels, petroleum products and imported goods, oil is a necessity until an alternative fuel is available.
Until the protesters can say that they do not use fossil fuels or imported goods, I will have a difficult time supporting their cause.
Maria Walsh, Surrey