Editorial: Political Pandora’s box
July 5, 1007

I am a new immigrant from China and have been here for one year.
I am writing in regards to your editorial on Weiping Chen’s attempt to create a new political party. I view this attempt as an extension of the Chinese government in Beijing.
As more and more Chinese immigrants come to Canada for opportunities of a better life and political freedom, the Chinese government is worrying that overseas Chinese communities are out of their control.
This kind of new party is set up for following functions.
1) An organization of informants to supervise activities of the Chinese community.
2) Act as a propaganda tool to represent overseas Chinese and pro-China policies.
3) A good cover for espionage activities.
The Chinese government has never believed in any kind of democratic system. They have never given thought to be involved in an open and fair political stage as your editorial addressed.
This is the reason why Chen only speaks in Mandarin in his news conferences. He is not speaking to the Canadian public.
He is speaking to the government in Beijing instead because they are the only financial source for this party.
Chinese immigrants from China know these kind of tricks too well.
No one will be interested in this party except those who urgently need some financial support.

Xieqiang Li, Technician, Burnaby, BC

Doctor accused of taking kickbacks
July 19, 2005

While I know and understand the major role of CMS, it is my opinion that Medicare/Medicaid billing allowances are entirely too lenient for medical professionals in every area where medical billing is required.
Medicare allows physicians up to nearly two years to bill for services. CMS further allows DME, Home Care Agencies and other disciplines to take up to a year to bill. Yet, Medicare must pay out within 30 - 45 days!
This practice opens the door to fraud as the “greed” instinct of those who are void of ethics, integrity, quality care/best care practices, morals, values and principles, not to mention respect for human life and dignity bilk our systems of billions of dollars which may or may not be recouped over a period of years.
More so, this practice of medical billing leniency is the vehicle by which our vulnerable populations are preyed upon, especially, the elderly! Home Care Agencies and Visiting Physicians are a prime example. I see it too often and it sickens me.
Until these billing procedures are restructured and revamped many people now and in the future will be without any insurance for care periods because the reservoir will be tapped out.
 
Briggett Burnett-Chambers, Service Coordinator/Social Worker,
Detroit, Michigan

Editorial: Taxi Mafi
May 24, 2007
 
Taxi prices in the city of Vancouver are not fixed by an individual or a group but by the market forces.
Dig out the taxi prices and house prices in the east side of Vancouver, you will be surprised to see the similar price curve.

Ajay, Self-employed
Vancouver

Superstar cites BC charity to avoid jail
May 25, 2006

Sanjay Dutt was not involved in Mumbai bomb blasts.
He is victim because his father was an MP and a social worker .

Vishal Bhatia, Computer Engineer, New Delhi

In the United Kingdom (Great Britain) honour killing is a crime and treated as such. Our Foreign Office helps young South Asian girls abroad and issues government advice to members of the public and educational establishiments in how to deal with these potential situations.
The UK courts have sucessfully prosecuted family members involved in such crimes.
They will even do so if the crime is alleged to have been committed abroad.
This is one of the saddest cases l have ever read. l have been bothered by it every since l became aware of it.
The husband is still paying a price for the failure of the family to murder him and l feel so sorry for him.
Those implicated even in Canada must be brought to justice, it is as simple as that.
I am shocked and disgusted that the mother and uncle have resumed life without any punishment. Do not ignore this social practice it is not going to go away.
I say this as a British Asian who thankfully has a much more educated family who do not put family reputation before humanity.
There are 5000 so called honour killings every year globally, it has to stop.
Please someone do something for the husband through organised action. I am sure any of us will assist.

Tania Schulz,  
London, England