Intimidation continues against anyone who questions

One of our primary reasons for initiating this blog was the concern we felt at the ongoing intimidation tactics towards Gabriolans who express concern or raise questions about rezoning, or other issues surrounding the proposed Urgent Care Clinic. Unfortunately these intimidation tactics have escalated,  to viscious, personal attacks on people within the community.

This is an email received after the Public Information Meeting Feb 10, 2011.

Dear Shena,

There's something I would like to clarify with you immediately.  My 'personal' reaction to your current campaign has to do with your use of rumour, gossip, innuendo, accusation and how that affects people, in this case the GHCS specifically.

Three key areas of my life were destroyed by the above.  Ergo, I did a bit of research into slander, gossip and defamation of character, so, when I say that some of your comments were dangerously close to slander, I'm not talking through my hat.

If any one of my accusers had spoken directly to me for five mintues, or looked at the books, looked at the facts, they'd have known they were incorrect in their assumptions.  Instead, it was a witchhunt which had ripple effects - tsunami effects - throughout my entire life.

I read your blog thoroughly.  I saw nothing in the way of facts - just innuendo - comments that raise suspicion without making a case.  'Would you take this to the bank?' - well, yes, unless you can prove to me why not.  

You quoted figures from the GHCS website last night as if a changing bank balance was something suspicious.  Doesn't your bank balance change when money comes in and goes out?  More innuendo.

It is clear to me that you don't understand the workings of a Non-Profit Organization, the BC Societies Act, and Zoning By-laws.  There was no one present who could explain them adequately.  (I'nviting the island' does not constitue presenting a balanced case. )  No time was provided for the GHCS to present their case or their history.

You and Tony did exactly what I predicted you would do - set up an evening where you could present only your argument, read letters you wrote, and undermine the credibility of the GHCS with quasi-slanderous comments.  Rumour, innuendo, gossip - powerful tools in the hands of an intelligent, articulate manipulator.

The GHCS folks who did attend were left to defend themselves in an atmosphere which you had made hostile from the get go, the first ten minutes or so being an explication of emotional blackmail, bullying etc.  You are not the victim here, Shena.  You went into this argument with your fists up and apparently you feel bullied and victimized by anyone who doesn't agree with you, myself included.

Where was the 'full and accurate disclosure' you advertised?  You created the opposite.  It's manipulation of the worst kind and I don't buy it and I don't respect it.  I am sorry you have chosen to use your intelligence and critical faculties to such destructive purposes.

Penny Sidor

The following email was sent to us after an email notifying people of the Public Information Meeting February 10 were sent out, and then forwarded to other people within the community.

What are you doing sending me this bullshit. Why are you not for a 
proper facility? You sound like a real troublemaker. I sure hope I 
don't see you at the new emergency ward when it IS built. You sound 
like the kind of person who uses the food bank and complains about 
the food.

Gabriola has enough nutbags, we don't need more.

Regan Lall

This email was sent to others who forwarded the email announcing the Public Information Meeting February 10, 2011. This reply was brought was to our attention.

I will not forward this.  I have looked closely at the nonsense Shena and Tony are sending around.  I see nothing factual - just innuendo, paranoia and fear-mongering.   I say shame on them. 

Fine to raise questions and get clear on some issues, but they are waging a very nasty campaign and I strenuousls object to their methods.

This is not about 'public information'.  The  GHCS is not invited.  It's a self-organized forum for their idiocy.

Penny Sidor

Editors Note: Several members of the GHCS/GHCF were personally sent email notices about the meeting by email, including the GHCF secretary, whose responsibility is to advise members of such.

Here's an except from a recent letter to the editor in the local press:

...I imagine this article was intended to add controversy to the clinic issue. I wish The Shingle would stop giving credence to the miniscule ragtag group of dissenters and their opposition to the Gabriola Health Care Society (GHCS) Board. Their petty irrational complaints are wearing thin on the majority who want to move forward with the clinic process. Give credit where it’s due, that being the generous offer of land from Dr. Rooks, and the hard working efforts of the GHCS.

Graham MacDonald