Fishing with Rod Discussion Forum
Fishing in British Columbia => General Discussion => Topic started by: Rodney on May 07, 2005, 08:17:50 PM
-
> JOHN CUMMINS, M.P.
> Delta - Richmond East
>
> News Release
>
> May 7, 2005
>
> A Japanese-Canadian Fisherman's View
> FISHERMEN CONCERNED ABOUT WELFARE OF HUNGER STRIKER
>
> RICHMOND-"Fishermen are concerned about the welfare of Hiep Thien Ngo,
> the sixty one year old Vietnamese-Canadian fishermen, now on a hunger
> strike and want action to resolve this tragedy," said John Cummins, M.P.
> (Delta-Richmond East).
>
> "I have received a letter of concern from a Japanese-Canadian fisherman.
> It represents the concerns of many fishermen with regard to Mr. Ngo's
> health," Cummins said.
>
> The letter from the Japanese-Canadian fisherman is a follows:
>
> "I was recently informed by a concerned fisherman that a Vietnamese
> fisherman feeling frustrated and helpless with the plight of trying to
> make a living as a commercial fisherman has started a hunger strike.
>
> He is the same individual that earlier last month, burned his van in
> front of the City Hall in Vancouver in protest. I went to visit him
> yesterday to see how he was doing.
>
> He is a 61 year old Vietnamese fisherman with a small build. He had not
> eaten in 5 days now and is now showing the toll. He is living on his
> boat, the Tracey Ann, in Steveston. He is protesting the deterioration
> of fishing opportunities to the commercial fleet in the past 10 years.
> He is also upset with the native fishery and its abuse. He wants change
> and is committed to the cause.
>
> He told me he is doing this for all Canada. I have grave concerns about
> this individual because of his age. There needs to be some resolution
> to this crisis.
>
> His frustration is one that all fishermen can relate to. I am trying to
> inform as many people as I can about his situation so that each can
> respond in the appropriate manner. Kim Nuygen at Canadian Fishing
> Company has been trying to help resolve the situation. I know she is
> very concerned about his health."
>
> Contact: John Cummins, M.P.
> (613) 992-2957, (cell) (604) 970-0937, (604) 940-8040
> or www.johncummins.ca
http://www.johncummins.ca/news/jc2005-05-06.htm
-
Seems to me he's going about his protest the wrong way. First he sets his truck on fire in front of city hall; nobody knows what's he protesting. There is rumour in the news that he's protesting something about fishery. Then he goes on a hunger strike that nobody knows about til Rodney's post.
-
The good of many cannot be held hostage to the desires of a few.
Governments should not and cannot respond to childish "I'm gonna hold my breath until I turn blue tactics-or worse.
This guy is already in deep s*** for setting his truck on fire publicly-his erratic actions have hurt his cause immeasurably.
I know this sounds callous and I'm not doubting his sincerity-just his means of effecting change.