Historically speaking, those who sow division have never been the good guys. Racists have always been the bad guys.

Most humans cherish kindness. Most religions preach acceptance. Most societies seek to ensure that everyone is cared for.

To the members of OneBC who are intentionally spreading malice and harm and division, just stop.

Denying the darker side of our nation’s history does not make it disappear, nor does it heal the past. Threatening to deport our immigrant neighbours makes us poorer as a nation.

To the members of OneBC and their supporters who thrive on hurting others, we make our world better by holding each other up, by helping each other heal, and by welcoming everyone to the table.

We know what happens when a small but spiteful group of individuals set out to “other” people who don’t look like them.

We’ve seen it throughout history, and the history books always remind us that this is the absolute worst of humanity. The books also warn us about not falling for their seemingly plausible arguments of why we should turn against our neighbours.

What the history books haven’t prepared us for is how easily we will be manipulated by disinformation.

It is our job now to be wary of the lies that tear us apart, and hold onto the truth that, no matter what we look like, we are each other’s neighbours, and we best succeed when we care for each other.

Let’s choose to be on the right side of history.

Jessica Duncan

Victoria

The recent preposterous judgment in favour of the Cowichan band points us where land claims are headed in this province with the connivance of our legal elite.

Expect more claims across the province and more judgments calling every property owners’ title into question.

The provincial government will negotiate on our behalf the following deal: A perpetual annual settlement fee all property owners will pay to satisfy native claims — for one year.

Unless we elect governments who will........

© Times Colonist