Editor, The News:
Re: Why are things the way they are? (Along the Fraser, Jan. 13).
Yes, we should ask, “Why are things the way they are?”
We have to thank Jack Emberly for exposing the indoctrination of Thomas Haney school students by the NDP-based Cinema Politica.
Is the NDP invited into our schools to campaign now?
Are all the other political groups allowed to come into the schools and present their views?
It is stated that after the viewing, Oosha Ramsoondar “directed? her young audience to think about a question and invited students to become members of Cinema Politica.
All this would be acceptable outside of school boundaries, but presenting this political bias in taxpayer-funded venues is unacceptable.
Why is it happening is more the question?
It also irks me that Mr. Emberly and his group believe themselves to be the only noble ones, with noble quotations. The only ones who help the poor, are active in health, welfare, education and the environment.
They should consider coming down from their lofty peak of self-righteousness.
Cherryl Katnich
Maple Ridge
No connection
Editor, The News:
Re: Why are things the way they are? (Along the Fraser, Jan. 13).
Like Jack Emberly, I am an admirer of Oosha Ramsoondar’s active citizenship.
I agree that initiative for fixing the system needs to come from individuals, many of whom attend Cinema Politica screenings of issue-related films.
However, I have to clarify that Cinema Politica is in no way connected to or supported by the New Democratic Party.
Janet Amsden, president
Pitt Meadows-Maple Ridge Mission NDP Riding
Association
Let’s talk
Editor, The News:
Re: Why are things the way they are? (Along the Fraser, Jan. 13).
Cinema Politica Maple Ridge-Pitt Meadows is very honoured by the coverage in this article.
When we started this venture, we knew there was a need in our community for documentary films that focused on issues not covered in the mainstream media.
But the overwhelming response has been gratifying.
We seem to have connected with a wide cross-section of our community, and have had various groups represented, including a local Buddhist mediation group, the Friends in Need Food bank, and Oxfam, to name a few.
Some of our special guests have included Mel Hurtig, founder of the National Party of Canada and the Council of Canadians, Arzeena Hamir of the Richmond Food Security Society, and Job Cooksey a writer/producer/director from Vancouver.
We have a few regular attendees from Vancouver, Surrey, and Burnaby. These people are amazed that our small community can host such screenings and have such knowledgeable and renowned individuals as special guests.
Our success reflects positively for and in our community and is due in no small part to the contribution of the municipality of Maple Ridge in allowing us use of their facilities.
For this, we are very grateful.
It must be noted, however, that Cinema Politica is non-partisan and not affiliated with the NDP in any way.
As stated on the website: “Cinema Politica is a Montreal-based media arts, non-profit network of community and campus locals that screen independent political film and video by Canadian and international artists throughout Canada and abroad.”
Cinema Politica Maple Ridge-Pitt Meadows is not affiliated with any political party.
Its organizing committee is made up of individuals who share a love for progressive documentary films.
Our screenings are free of charge, open to all and our audience, including individuals who are apolitical or have diverse political affiliations.
Our aim is to encourage discussion and debate on issues that affect us as a community, British Columbians and Canadians.
Oosha Ramsoondar
Maple Ridge