I (as a protest organizer)just want everyone who is speaking against us to know that WE ARE NOT in any way protesting the Olympics, it's too late for that. We chose that location because it seems to be a symbolic location. We feel that it is a prime location to reach a significant number of citizens and the provincial government. I personally do not support the Olympics but that is an issue that has nothing to do with our protest. We are PARENTS AGAINST CUTS-not PARENTS AGAINST OLYMPICS. As a Canadian, I do feel a sense of pride for the individual who will carry the torch. And when she runs past us I will NOT be publicly defaming her I will simply be shouting the concerns of parents along with the rest of my group members-which is "CUTS HURT KIDS"! We are speaking out against province wide cuts to education. Prince George is a community that prides itself on the ability to have a CHOICE in where we send our children for their education, whether that be public o r private. I am saddened that our choices are being taken away from us because of a budgetary deficit. The government must find the money somewhere else and stop cheating our children out of their God-given right to an education!! I am personally disheartened to know that when children are pitted against budgets and bottom lines-the children will never have a chance-they will always loose. What message are we sending the future leaders of this province??? We are telling the provincial government that our children are worth far more than fireworks, spirit mittens and seven million dollars!! I do, however, understand that this issue is NOT something that the Board of Trustees would prefer to press but find necessary do to so. Roxanne Ricard made a good point about parents needing to share viable ideas for keeping schools open and many parents disagree with her-but now that this issue is right in front of us and we have no choice but to deal with it I think it IS now our responsibility too. I think the Board has a difficult job ahead of them, one that I would not wish on anyone. Now is the time to band together as a community and stand up for our children and their right to their education and our right to choose where we send our children for that education!
Angie Francis
Prince George
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