Shoddy behaviour by an official

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Langley Times

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Editor: These are comments of a man nearing 70 years old. Call me an old-fashioned fuddy-duddy if you wish.

As young persons, we were taught to respect our elders. We were also taught that respect was not a given, but had to be earned. Therefore the flip side of this was, if a young person had a genuine concern, then that concern should be respected. This should also apply in the world of adults.

However, it seems some officials see themselves to be above this simple rule, or don’t take their positions seriously.

I find it inexcusable, when a young person has the courage to stand up in a public meeting and speak to her concerns, that she is rebutted by an official in such a manner as she was. This was not only insulting to the young girl, but also to her parents and to others attending that meeting. (Story, The Times, May 20).

Obviously there was a serious atmosphere to the meeting and for this official to pass the rebuttal off as “only a joke” just adds insult to injury. It is obvious she was not taking the public’s concerns seriously.

It seems in today’s world that a simple apology has become commonplace and is expected to be ample to suffice any situation. However, what if the roles were reversed and this young girl had said some derogatory remark to a teacher. She would no doubt receive a reprimand from the principal.

Has the school board given any similar reprimand to the official concerned?

How can we expect respect from our youth when we have behaviour like this from an adult official, who is expected to know better and shows no respect towards this young girl’s concerns?

This incident and its effects (as to how she was treated) will no doubt remain in her young mind for years to come.

To the official, I say shame on you.

Norm Iveson,

Langley