Sept. 3: Secularism sought? and other letters to the editor Secularism sought? Doug Saunders's otherwise excellent column (Secularism Is Worth Seeking, But Quebec's Approach Won't Work - Aug. 31) didn't mention the most glaring inconsistency in both France and Quebec: They're both replete with grand cathedrals and churches. Society is richer for overt reminders of both history and our individual differences, including culture and beliefs. Brian Lowry, Fredericton, N.B. There's an important distinction to make in the discussion about secularism. Although both North America and Europe embrace the idea, they practice very different forms. The Puritans who first settled the northern colonies in America came for freedom of religion. Persecuted in England, they sought freedom to practice as they wished. But Europe's religious wars literally cleansed countries like France of Protestant communities. The Catholic Church had such a dominant position that the French Revolution promoted the idea of freedom from religion, banishing the church from influence in government. With its interpretation of laïcité, Quebec embraces the rigid orthodoxy it claims to reject and will only become more homogeneous and unwelcoming to newcomers. The rest of North America, promoting diversity and tolerance, will continue to move forward into a truly global path. Both will practice secularism. Constance Dilley, Toronto Mr. Saunders recounts how he was "forced" to fire his own doctor because "Who wants a doctor whose faith resides in anything other than medicine?" Is he suggesting that Quebec should fire religious doctors who refuse to hide their faith, or all religious doctors? His atheist crusade is no different than any religious crusade. It is built on intolerance. God forbid that he should ever slip and fall in front of Montreal Jewish General Hospital! Angelo Nikolakakis, Montreal Who wants a doctor whose faith resides in anything other than science? The patients who've stayed with him. People like me who don't belittle one who chooses to pray before surgery that her hands are steady; she has the wisdom to make the right decisions based on the science she's learned. That she stay focused. Is mediation acceptable? The language used to push secularism onto those of us who believe in God is exactly the same as religious fundamentalists. It's a "battle" - for my soul perhaps? Diane Weber Bederman, Caledon, Ont. While I, too, hope the needless and bullying restriction against the wearing of religious symbols by government employees fails to become the law of the land, I was struck by letter-writer Peggy Hutchison's comment that "Secularism is just another "religion" " (Talking Point - Aug. 31). Surely she wrote this with tongue firmly planted in cheek, knowing that, to those not burdened by mythology, there can be no greater insult. Michael Lennick, Toronto, Ont. Far from fleet Re Canadian Pacific Navy Fleet Severely Hampered Without Damaged Ships (online - Sept. Were our Royal Canadian Steerspeople texting while driving? Will this recent boating collision lose them points on their driving licences? And should we think twice before sending these big powerboats into Arctic waters, where they could one day be bumping into supertankers? The news brings so many questions. Peter Scott, Elora, Ont. Simplistic solution Your editorial Sing It Again, Singh (Aug 30) is simplistic. The course you advocate can only worsen the situation. Economic liberalization has coincided with corruption of egregious and endemic proportions, especially under the watch of Manmohan Singh. The West does not invest money in emerging markets like India from the goodness of its heart, but for quick, easy and massive profits that are no longer possible at home. Massive buying and selling on India's share market by big investment companies further destabilize the country's economy. Shashi Seshia, Winnipeg Another view Re Staying British (letters - Aug. 19) and Gibraltar Spat Involves Unlikely Allies (Aug. 13): Gibraltar is the only remaining colony in Europe; this is incompatible with the principles of the United Nations Charter. The issue must be solved by bilateral negotiations between Spain and the United Kingdom, recommended by the UN uninterruptedly since 1965. Regretfully, the colony's authorities disregard for international and European laws creates many problems: Environmental damage: dumping concrete blocks in Spanish sovereign waters and bunkering operations. Smuggling: The colony is not part of the European customs union. The enormous increase in these illegal and harmful activities makes border controls indispensable. Tax regime: The colony's opaque system and taxation rates make it easy for non-residents to locate shell companies there, creating economic and security-related problems. Gibraltar is a tax haven, with all its implications. Juan Antonio Martín Burgos, chargé d'affaires, Spanish embassy, Ottawa Under the bus Andrew Clark's suggestion that buses are immune to parking laws (A Tour De Force - Drive, Aug. 22) is inaccurate. Toronto issues hundreds of tickets to buses annually. Furthermore, if you illegally park any other vehicle, even a tractor-trailer, the fine is $60; for a bus, it's $300. Rather than being above the law, buses are actually subject to far harsher penalties. While buses are subject to all parking laws, it is not illegal for them to stop while they actively loading or unloading. Demonizing one segment of the travelling community is hardly a good basis for the "adult conversation" we need about fixing gridlock. Doug Switzer, president and CEO, Ontario Motor Coach Association and Motor Coach Canada Paddle mantra As the last long weekend of summer ends, it was a pleasure to read Roy MacGregor's story about canoeing and Canadian journalist Blair Fraser (Borne Back Into The Past - Focus, Aug. 31). It was heart-warming to read how the family replaced his memorial cross. Being on the water, hand-propelling ourselves in nature is the perfect antidote to our hurried, harried world. Blair Fraser likely knew this. The canoe has been compared to our Canadian character: It's quiet and efficient. For me, it's a sensual experience; it touches my emotional side and I feel very calm and Zen-like when paddling. But as Mr. MacGregor points out, however romantic it is, a mindful approach to the hazards is extremely important. My mantra: Keep your paddle in the water and go with the flow - but go. Sue Nielsen, Cobalt, Ont.