To Ernie Parsons

I have read, with much concern, your re-active letter to Ms Roberts. If you closely consider our plight, indeed all of rural Ontrario's, you will realize that we are under siege by pollution-producers on a scale unimaginable only a few years ago.

Indeed, I am talking of factory farms being allowed to do business, virtually unchecked, within striking distance of citizens and their families. Our air, soil, and waterways are being turned into open sewers through Government neglect, bureaucratic studied indifference and acquiescence to the few who operate large industrial livestock factories (ILO's).Their very existence rests on well financed propaganda budgets seducing contribution-hungry politicians as well as fomenting the creation of regulations and statutes contrary the fundamental common good of all citizens.

Shades of the pre-Walkerton scandal. It's inquiry and subsequent recommendations are slowly and inexorably being swept under the rug. Per chance might it remind you of the Ipperwash inquiry?

This letter is to emphasize the glaring lack of formal commitment by the Liberal Party to a moratorium on expansion of existing and construction of new ILO's while the proper socially oriented and protective legislation is made law of the land.

In my opinion, this is the most serious current issue which, in passing does not appear on your website 'issues'. Politicians are skating around, probably for fear of offending Ontario farmers. Remember Ontario farmers -?- those folks behind whom ILO operators are hiding?

Forgive me if I'm slipping into an editorializing mode. Time is running out and the upcoming election is the place to take a firm stand to action and redress of social wrongs in this vital matter.

We all know the Tories savaged the education, health, labour and environment sectors in Ontario while cutting taxes for the rich. But, from the very outset the Tory government was a known quantity and they followed through whether you liked them or not.

Can the Liberals be anything less than transparent on something so fundamental as our environment, before an upcoming general election?

Michel Synnett
RR4 Picton