I am truly saddened by last Saturday’s paper and the letter to the editor by Michael Ciciarelli; it just brought back horrid memories of the Perrys’ letter last spring.
Being born and raised in St. Albert I used to be proud of it, but within the last year I have felt guilt. Mr. Ciciarelli, I feel truly sad for you. If you want to be among the higher class may I suggest Holmby Hills in L.A.?
St. Albert has always been a place of diversity. Growing up I had friends of all income levels, and one thing was always common — their hearts. It did not matter what income level we were from, and no one knew or cared about it.
The future Habitat families are not looking for a handout, nor special treatment. Just because someone doesn’t make the same wage as you does not mean they have less ambition or skill. Think of the person who is scanning your groceries, pumping your gas, serving you food at a restaurant. They have just as much skill or ambition as you; maybe they are paying their way through school, have had a rough turn in life, or are working a second job! Take a good look in the mirror; where would you be without these people?
You may not want it in your backyard, but it’s not the truth of today’s society. We are expanding as a city and need to use any room possible. Move to an acreage if you don’t want neighbours.
You’re right: karma is a bitch, and it always comes back threefold. So, do not be surprised by the backlash. I want to be proud of St. Albert again, not a place where I am ashamed to be from. I am tired of noses being turned up when people learn where I am from. We need to get together and learn some tolerance and acceptance to make this a place for all people.
Kirsty Fulton, St. Albert
