Cheap shots at us not humorous at all

My usual pleasant routine of sipping my coffee while reading my Sunday Herald was abruptly halted when I read the shocking statements in The Buzz by Doug Parry making jest of our neighbors to the north coming down in droves to shop at our stores, much to the delight of the local merchants.

His comments about Canadians buying out the “beaver-pelt hats with the funny ear flaps,” and Canadians threatening to convert Florida’s golf courses to metric were less than humorous. If he had a true sense of Canadians, he would be aware of their leadership in the fields of art, music, fashion, science, medicine, educatiion and research, and such comments are nothing less than a trashy insult! But what really disgusted me was his statement that it was a worry that “Canadians could multiply,” implying that they are less than welcome and desirable in this country.

I am one of thousands of Canadians who live and work in this state, contributing to the economy and cultural wealth of Washington, and consider it a privilege to do so. Such statements made about any other group, be it a different color, religion, sexual orientation, nationality or political affinity, would not have even made it past the desk of this paper’s editor. But because Canadians, who maintain their dignity with poise and humility despite such ridicule, sit back quietly and say nothing, we are easy prey for such disgusting and humiliating “wit and humor.” I speak for the many Canadian faces, including my family and those unknown to me, who have endured such verbal and written ridicule long enough.

If Mr. Parry is hoping to continue to have readers such as myself subscribe to his paper and put bread on his table, I would expect nothing less than a strong and sincere apology for such humiliation.

Deborah VanDeventer