July 5, 2008

Re: Trevor Lautens The price of freedom and free speech mounts

Dear Editor:

To what degree is "free speech" tolerated in a "democratic" society? I suppose casual comments shared among friends are okay, but when the voice of dissent becomes a threat to corporations/business interests or to organizations like the BC SPCA, that voice must be silenced. Hence, the BC SPCA's lawsuit against the Animal Advocates Society of BC. SLAPP suits (Strategic Lawsuits Against Public Participation) are often employed to intimidate and scare opponents into silence. In this case, the tactic didn't work and Judy Stone is forced to put out her own money to defend the action initiated by the SPCA. Whose money is the SPCA using?

I never received an answer.

Unfortunately, large organizations have deep pockets and long arms, so the fight for justice becomes one of a David and Goliath.

Carmina Gooch
North Vancouver