Editor:
We seem to be living in a time of grievance; time after time public pronouncements are, basically, complaints. Perhaps I can offer a different perspective.
I have recently had a medical issue. I’ve now had one GP consultation, three specialists’ consultations, two scans, three blood tests, and a biopsy. The referral to specialists was done literally overnight. When Sechelt Hospital called me to schedule a scan the lovely lady said “can you come in tonight?”
For my off-Coast medical appointments I was given TAP forms that waived fees for me, our car, and my driver. I was also given one free vehicle reservation for each trip. When there were “mechanical difficulties” with one ferry we were given immediate access to water taxis; on that particular day I was early for my appointment. And public transit whisked me from Horseshoe Bay to my appointment quickly and efficiently.
In every step of the way, from physicians to medical technicians to unit staff to ferry and transit employees I’ve met with kindness, courtesy, and awesome efficiency. And throughout I’ve been supported by caring family and friends.
And all of this, so far, has cost me…about $20. All of the rest (consultations, treatment, travel) has been paid, one way or the other, by tax dollars. I’ve paid taxes for well over 50 years now and have never complained, because I agree with Oliver Wendell Holmes, that taxes are the price of civilization, and if nothing else my recent experience reminds me of how happy I am to live in a civilized, progressive country.
Yours,
Doug Baker, Hopkins Landing
