Monster Hunters ch.7

February 12, 2026

Monster Hunters ch.7

By Quinn Ireland

Ben stared in awe as the trio entered the bright glowing swamp. It was as if they had been hit by a huge storm of light after stepping out of the dark staircase. The swamp was full of mushrooms with odd twisty vines that grew out of massive trees. Neon blue plants clung to the rich soil overlooking the water. The tips of the leaves were hanging over the edge of the dirt, touching the unnaturally clean swamp water. The trees were growing out of bright crystal-clear water that made up most of the swamp. They almost looked like roots that were connected below the water’s surface. Continuing roots. From the underwater soil to the sky. Roots that resembled the strings on a guitar. Stringy water trees. Although these trees looked fascinating, the sky caught Ben’s eye the most. It was full of weird floating three-legged creatures with beady eyes and bright red exoskeletons like a beetle. These creatures were lighting up the whole sky with their three legs. Kepler noticed Ben’s wonder of staring at the creatures; “Krinkoff’s, fascinating, aren’t they?” She said, staring into the bright white sky. Ben recognized this swamp from the view by their treehouse, although it was much brighter than in the swamp itself. Ben then thought of his past in little league Baseball several years before. The Krinkoffs seemed to replicate Baseballs flying towards him at full speed. He had never been able to catch anything, this resulted in standing in either standing in right field, or sitting on the cold, hard, bench. He quit after one year. Their staring was interrupted by a very tall woman standing beside them. “Excellent, you two are partners!” said the woman, “Oh, hello Ben, I’m Mrs. Abbingstone, I am the Magic Plants teacher here at Monster school.” She smiled and handed him a long sheet of paper. She had bright red hair with brown eyes that were red themselves. She wore the same cold-proof suit that the students wore. Ben liked Mrs. Abbingstone the most, the reason being that she introduced herself right away, and she knew his name, although Ben knew that a lot of people had come fermlir to his name as the so-called Sword slayer.

Soon, everyone had a paper in their hands. Ben looked for a place to sit down but found no desks or tables. “You can always use a grass stump,” said Kepler pointing at a small mound of grass, “Mrs. Abbingstone thinks that if your brains are working, your legs should be too.” Ben didn’t really understand this concept but went along with it. “Is everyone in groups?” asked Mrs. Abbingstone. Everyone muttered and murmured, which usually translated as a yes, according to Ben’s studies from school anyway. “Now, everyone listening, no… Wade, put away that whoopie cushion… Viola, save the Dangerous Forests homework for later, listen up Hannah!” The class didn’t seem to care about the teacher’s comments, so Kepler yelled, “SHUT UP PEOPLE!” Everyone stopped their chatter and stood quietly with their hands behind their backs, like a group of people from the army. “Thank you, Mrs. Kamoni.” said Mrs. Abbingstone. “Wow,” Ben whispered, “How’d you do that?” “People fear me, I am a Foristite, this means that I can find a way through any forest, this goes for humans too.” “Woah, cool… so you can see right through people too?” said Ben, making sure to keep his voice as low as possible. “I can, but not very well,” continued Kepler, “I am better at using my power in a forest, you know… in case I ever get lost.” “Do you think that I have a special pow…” “I said enough chit-chat!” Mrs. Abbingstone cut them off, “Now, just because you’re new here doesn’t mean you can slack off and talk to your friends all the time, Vinkenhut!” Ben was startled by her change in tone, he had always hated getting yelled at in his old school, mostly because the teacher would pick him to answer a question that he did not know. “Understood?” She spoke. “Yes, Mrs… Adi… Addingstone.” He said in a quiet voice. Kids snickered at him for not saying the teacher’s name right. “And it’s Abbing-stone not Adding, well unless you’re talking about math.” She said as she smiled and walked away, “Why do those schools even teach math?” She muttered to herself. “Today we are learning about a special type of moss that only grows on the underwater trunks of these trees in this swamp.” All the students looked curiously at her, as if they were on their first day at this weird and wacky fantasy school. Although they had all been here since they were… Ben raised his hand. Mrs. Abbingstone rolled her eyes and pointed at him; “Vinkenhut! And make it snappy!” Ben hesitated. He was mad at his shyness at this moment, so he waited a few seconds to calm down before asking; “How long has everyone here been at Monsterschool?” “I thought that your friends would have told you this by now, nevertheless everyone has been here since they were in Badger.” “What is… Badger?” responded Ben. “Mrs. Abbingstone sighed before continuing; “Badger is the first level of being a fully licensed Monster Hunter, the levels that follow are Coyote, Wolf (you are at the Wolf level.) then Bear, Black bear, cougar, Werewolf, and then you can be a Monster Hunter.” Ben stood in shock, another three years stuck at this school with level names that sound like woodland walkies community pool (a local pool that is one block from his house) “Um… pardon me Mrs. Abbingstone, but do we have to spend another three grades here?” asked Ben “What is a grade?” She replied. “Um… it’s a way of sorting different ages into… groups.” explained Ben. “Weird humans!” said Mrs. Abbingstone with no attempt to hide her voice, “To answer your question Ben, everyone’s level will change every four months, so you will only be here for a year.” Ben’s expression relaxed a little, but his eyes remained wide. Noticing this, Mrs. Abbingstone continued; “You will resume your old, boring life after… never mind.” Ben noticed that the teachers were keeping quiet about the ” Mission” Ben had to do, but this failed because all the students already knew. “Enough of this rubbish talk about weird humans, let’s get to our lesson!” said Mrs. Abbingstone. Ben asked, “Oh, and one more thing.” “Spit it out, Vinkenhut! I want to start this lesson!” “What will we be learning about today?” “I was just about to get to that,” she replied, “Now, sit down class.”

Woowoo Healing: The NO Foods continued…

February 12, 2026

Woowoo Healing: The NO Foods continued …

By Jean Gordy

Hello everyone again. This week I am including information on the balance of the NO

Foods. These are foods that do serious damage to our bodies, and it’s good to know

what they are. Always check your labels when it comes to processed foods. The Powers

that Be seem to thrive on poisoning us wherever possible, changing the names of the

ingredients to fool the public, such as MSG which is now called Natural Flavours. Read

everything that you put into your body if you are having health problems and cut those

suckers out whenever you can. I know it’s tough because these days there is a loophole

in revealing what is in your ingredient list that manufacturers can get away with not

revealing 10% of the ingredient list. Like WTF? One thing I have noticed is that even

most teas, and this includes herbal teas, have citric acid in it. Teas have never needed

citric acid to extend shelf life but for some reason they seem to now. Alas this is what we

are up against.

A reminder that all the information I post here is from the Medical Medium Anthony

William materials who receives this information directly from the Spirit of Compassion.

His information is hundreds (yes hundreds) of years ahead of Medical Science. As he

says ‘who has time to wait 100 years for the truth about the causes of chronic illness’.

PS: if you want more detailed information you can contact me at the email below, or just

simply google Medical Medium and the subject you want to learn about. He covers just

about every medical issue known to humanity.

MSG

Monosodium glutamate (MSG) is a food additive that’s used in tens of thousands of

products and restaurant dishes. MSG is a salt that occurs naturally in glutamic acid (a

non-essential amino acid). But there’s nothing natural about the extreme damage it can

do to you. MSG typically builds up in your brain, going deep into your brain tissue. It can

then cause inflammation and swelling, kill thousands of your brain cells, disrupt electrical

impulses, weaken neurotransmitters, burn out neurons, make you feel confused and

anxious, and even lead to micro-strokes. It also weakens and injures your central nervous

system. MSG is especially harmful if you have an illness that involves your brain or

central nervous system. However, there are no circumstances under which it’s good for

you. As a result, this is an additive you should always avoid. Because MSG is included in

countless products, it’s essential to read food labels carefully. It’s also important to know

what to look for. MSG is often “hidden” on labels because of its deservedly bad

reputation. The following terms usually mean that MSG is an ingredient: glutamate,

hydrolyzed, autolyzed, protease, carrageenan, maltodextrin, sodium caseinate, balsamic

vinegar, barley malt, malt extract, yeast extract, brewer’s yeast, corn starch, wheat starch,

modified food starch, gelatin, textured protein, whey protein, soy protein, soy sauce,

broth, bouillon, stock, and seasoning.

Natural Flavours

Any ingredient with a name like natural flavouring is hidden MSG. Natural cherry flavour,

natural orange flavour, natural lemon flavour, natural fruit flavour…they’re not just fruit

extracts, and they’re not your friends. The same goes for smoke flavour, turkey flavour,

beef flavour, natural peppermint flavour, natural maple flavour, natural chocolate flavour,

natural vanilla flavour, and all their “natural” and “flavour”-ful cousins. (Although pure

vanilla extract is safe to use.) Each type of natural flavour potentially contains multiple

biohazards and chemical compounds. Natural flavouring has slipped under the radar and

been allowed into thousands of health food store products that are advertised as good,

safe, and healthy for you and your children. Moms, take heed. Natural flavours are one of

the newest and stealthiest now-you-see-it-now-you-don’t tricks for hiding MSG. Take care

reading labels so you and your family can avoid this hidden ingredient.

Artificial Flavours

Artificial flavours can represent any of thousands of chemicals that were birthed in a lab.

Don’t take risks by consuming them. As much as possible, the best you can, stay away

from chemical additives.

Artificial Sweeteners

Most artificial sweeteners act as neurotoxins because they contain aspartame. This can

disrupt your neurons and your central nervous system. Long-term, artificial sweeteners

can cause neurological breakdowns and strokes in your brain. If you crave sweets, eat as

much fruit as you like. Fruit fights disease and has powerful healing properties.

Citric Acid

Compared to the other additives in this chapter, citric acid isn’t so bad. That said, it’s very

irritating to the linings of the stomach and the intestinal tract, so it can create a lot of

inflammation and discomfort if you’re sensitive to it. Citric acid (the additive) is not the

same thing as naturally occurring acid in citrus. Try not to confuse the two. Citrus itself is

a healing food. The isolated ingredient citric acid, however, is often corn derived.

Especially if you’re experiencing any kind of stomach pain, keep an eye out for citric acid

on ingredient labels and consider skipping foods that include it.”

Thanks so much for reading and if you have further questions I can be reached at

jeansdreams@yahoo.com. Next week I hope to talk about the morning cleanse program

which is a good place to start loving your liver back to health.

Elbows Up!

February 12, 2026

Elbows Up! By Cylon2036. we/us

Canada is a fully sovereign nation, which is why it politely checks with Washington before having an opinion, consults Wall Street before having a budget, and asks Netflix what its culture should look like this year. Canada has its own flag, its own anthem, and its own unique way of spelling words, clear evidence of independence, so long as no money, trade, defence, data, or algorithms are involved.

Economically, Canada stands tall as a “resource economy with values”, meaning it digs things up, sells them to foreign multinationals, and then congratulates itself on the regulatory framework that allowed it to happen. When questioned about dependency, officials point proudly to sovereignty markers like a domestic banking cartel and a housing market so inflated it no longer requires foreign ownership to be unaffordable.

Culturally, Canada is a vibrant mosaic, carefully curated to ensure it is distinguishable from the United States by being slightly more polite, slightly more apologetic, and exactly one season behind. Our artists are encouraged to find their voice, preferably in New York or Los Angeles, where Canadian stories can be properly validated. Nothing says cultural confidence like a national broadcaster constantly reminding viewers that the show they’re watching is in fact Canadian.

On the world stage, Canada is an independent middle power, free to chart its own course, provided that course aligns seamlessly with U.S. foreign policy, NATO, the G7, and the invisible hand of global capital. Canada is not a vassal state, it is a trusted partner, which is much more dignified and comes with lanyards at international summits..

In short, Canadian sovereignty is alive and well. It just exists mostly in branding, heritage minutes, and the comforting belief that being slightly less loud than the empire next door counts as independence.

Shucking Oysters: Whitewashed Arm Candy

February 12, 2026

Shucking Oysters: Whitewashed Arm Candy

By Alex Allen

“To our fellow Americans we say, you’re never gonna find great meaning in a cubicle or in front of a computer screen. But you will find great meaning if you dedicate yourself to the creation and sustenance of human life,” JD Vance preached to the newly-converted at the annual March for Life in Washington, DC last month. White young Americans from Erika Kirk’s Turning Point USA, Students For Life, and Counteract USA, and other pro-life groups held on to his every word. Power, racism, and subjugation of women – white American evangelicalism in all its glory.

On stage behind bulletproof glass Vance bragged: “Now, some of you may remember that in my remarks last year, I told you all that one of the things I most wanted in the United States of America was more families and more babies. So, let the record show you have a vice president who practices what he preaches. Usha and I announced this week that we’re expecting our fourth. And it will be our third baby boy.” Spoiler alert: Usha is 40 years old and will never have her career back again.

The first March for Life took place in January 1974, marking the one-year anniversary of the United States’ Supreme Court decision to legalize abortion. Fifty years later, the Supreme Court overturned Roe v. Wade and the focus has seismically shifted. The goal is “to change the culture to ultimately make abortion unthinkable.”

The controversial Project 2025 recommends that the government “maintain a biblically based, social science-reinforced definition of marriage and family.” It also plans to change the name of the federal health and human services department to the “Department of Life.” As the author’s of a Mother Jones article wrote in November: “Until the government can muster up real, honest discussions on how to support all American families, it’s hard to imagine the Trump administration’s policies moving anyone, except maybe MAGA trad wives, to procreate.”

Misogyny is an integral policy feature of the US government. Under Trump’s anti-Diversity, Equity and Inclusion order, the words “women” and “female” have been banned from research grant applications and legislation has been passed that will make it more difficult for married women to vote. As Olivia Campbell wrote, “women’s contributions are being erased, their rights and roles eroded. And given the history of authoritarian regimes, it’s all too familiar territory.” Beyond Trump’s proclivities and the Epstein hall of shame, at least three administration leaders and members of the cabinet, including sperm-donating Elon Musk, health guru Robert F. Kennedy Jr., and warrior secretary Pete Hegseth have been accused of sexual misconduct.

Doug Wilson, the self-taught pastor of Hegseth’s denomination, the arch-conservative Communion of Reformed Evangelical Churches, maintains that it was wrong to let women vote and believes that married women should submit to their husbands. He also wants women out of combat. “I think we ought to find out the name of the person who suggested that we put women on those submarines and have that man committed,” Wilson said. “It’s like having a playpen that you put 50 cats in and then drop catnip in the middle of it. Whatever happens is going to be ugly.”

A recent Slate article written by Heather Schwedel, has faced criticism for suggesting that Vance’s pledge to make more babies is compensating for his having a wife of colour. “In lieu of trading in his wife for a paler model, Vance has found another way to prove himself a good shepherd of the MAGA faithful: He and Usha are expecting a fourth child in July.” Former MSNBC host Joy Reid wondered the same thing suggesting that Vance ditch his current wife for purified Erika Kirk as a strategic political move. “Wouldn’t it be the most perfect fairy tale, MAGA fairy tale, if he finally sees the light that he needs a White queen instead of this Brown Hindu?” With no surprise Reid, one of the most respected Black female commentators on air was fired. Trump celebrated by posting “the mentally obnoxious racist, Joy Reid” was “one of the least talented people in television.” Eight other MSN on-air news personalities were also given the pink slip last year. All were Black and half were women – Trump’s DEI regime in action.

And if you think Canadian politics are different, you are naive. Pierre Poilievre has had a long history of being anti-choice over his life-time political career. Yes, he has promised not to legislate on abortion, but that doesn’t mean that a sitting conservative MP couldn’t bring forward a bill for a free vote. And in fact, Poilievre has clearly stated he would not stop any of his MPs from introducing anti-abortion legislation.

In response to the overturning of Roe V. Wade in 2019, former Bloc Quebecois MP Monique Pauzé asked for “the House of Commons to reiterate that a woman’s body belongs to her and her alone, and recognize her right to choose an abortion regardless of the reason.” When adopted, all MPs in the house rose in standing ovation except for conservative MPs. Every single one of them remained in their seats and did not even applaud. On the very same day Poilievre voted no to providing women with free contraceptives. In Murray Mandryk’s words, “if mimicry is the greatest form of flattery, consider how Trump’s actions have become the template for a lot of conservatives.”

Three quarters of Pierre’s caucus and almost half of his supporters are latent Trump supporters according to recent polling. Poilievre also has a hefty fan base of Trump-friendly personalities. Last year, bombastic Kevin O’Leary said that Trump should invite “the Prime Minister in waiting” to Mar-a-Lago because Poilievre is “Trump’s kind of guy.” Ben Shapiro, a leading voice in the MAGA movement posted a video, “Pierre Poilievre is for the People” in 2024 calling him a “tremendous politician” who opposes “radical sexual individualism.” Shapiro also shared in the video that women “owe it to men to be good wives and mothers.”

There are over 800 registered pro-life organizations in the US that earn more than $427 million in revenue each year and have assets of $398 million. In Canada we have more than 300 pro-life groups. While there is no exact number of US-based pro-life organizations operating in Canada, Heartbeat International, Care Net, and the National Institute of Family and Life Advocates are heavily involved in the Canadian, anti-abortion landscape.

In December, a parliamentary committee recommended Canada end automatic charitable status for religious groups, mirroring recommendations from the BC Humanist Association (BCHA) that the government: “Amend the Income Tax Act to provide a definition of a charity which would remove the privileged status of ‘advancement of religion’ as a charitable purpose” and “No longer provide charitable status to anti-abortion organizations.”

The BCHA, with the Centre for Inquiry Canada, estimated that tax receipts issued by religious charities in Canada resulted in $1.6 to $2.6 billion in “foregone revenue” in 2017. The report included 462 recommendations based on 828 submissions and 74 presentations by groups and individuals. While the recommendations have yet to be adopted, religious institutions across the country are ringing their church bells loudly – in protest.

In a sermon two years ago, Texas Democrat James Talarico, a part-time Presbyterian seminary student eloquently said: “Christian nationalism is here to maintain the status quo. They have co-opted the Son of God. They have turned this humble rabbi into a gun-toting, gay-bashing, science-denying, money-loving, fear-mongering fascist.” White evangelical leaders would serve themselves well if they cared more about following Jesus and loving others instead of obsessively thinking about what it means to be a Christian man and Christian woman.

If You Think Our Rulers Do Bad Things In Secret, Wait Til You See What They Do Out In The Open

February 12, 2026

CAITLIN JOHNSTONE

FEB 9

They launched a live-streamed genocide in full view of the entire world.

They’re openly targeting civilian populations with siege warfare in Iran and Cuba in full view of the entire world.

They openly kidnapped the president of a sovereign nation in full view of the entire world.

They deliberately provoked a horrific and dangerous proxy war in Ukraine in full view of the entire world.

They spent years actively backing Saudi Arabia’s monstrous genocidal atrocities in Yemen in full view of the entire world.

They’re plundering and exploiting the resources and labor of the global south in full view of the entire world.

They’re killing the biosphere we all depend on for their own enrichment in full view of the entire world.

They’re circling the globe with hundreds of military bases to secure planetary domination in full view of the entire world.

They engage in nuclear brinkmanship and wave around armageddon weapons like pistols in full view of the entire world.

People go homeless and die of exposure while billionaires buy private islands and choose the next president in full view of the entire world.

Weapons manufacturers lobby for wars and then profit from the death and destruction they cause in full view of the entire world.

The president of the United States has repeatedly admitted to being bought and owned by the world’s richest Israeli in full view of the entire world.

The US Treasury Secretary has been repeatedly admitting that the US deliberately sparked the violence and unrest in Iran by methodically immiserating the population via economic warfare, in full view of the entire world.

I keep seeing people freaking out and asking how it’s possible that the individuals in the Epstein files haven’t been arrested for their secret nefarious behavior. And I always want to ask them, mate, have you seen the nefarious behavior they’re engaging in right out in the open?

Pay attention to the Epstein files. Pay attention to what little we can learn about how these freaks conduct themselves behind closed doors. By all means, pay close attention to these things.

But don’t forget to also pay attention to the far greater evils they are inflicting in full view of the entire world.

Letter to the Editor – Stephen Hawkins

February 12, 2026

Public Funding Demands Public Accountability in Denman’s Fibre Project

CityWest’s recent update on the Denman Island fibre expansion highlights real progress, but it also raises serious concerns about transparency and accountability in a project largely funded by public money.

While the announcement presents the latest $2.1 million budget increase as a CityWest investment, approximately $1.7 million of that funding comes from the Province’s Connected Coast program. From the outset, this project has relied primarily on public funds: roughly $5.6 million from the Province and $760,000 from the CVRD, representing only about 10% of the initial $7.6 million project cost. CityWest is delivering this service as part of a public-private partnership, not a purely private venture.

Given this level of public investment, the exclusion of dozens of Denman households from service is deeply troubling. In 2026, fibre connectivity underpins not only internet access but also modern telephone and cellular services. Leaving residents without access would be unacceptable if this were a phone exchange or cell tower, and it should be no more acceptable now.

The referendum that passed with overwhelming support reflected a community mandate for island-wide connectivity, not a partial build. If additional funding is required to reach remaining homes, that discussion must be transparent and inclusive, allowing residents and elected officials to make informed decisions.

Public money demands public accountability. Denman Islanders deserve clear information, open communication, and a credible plan to ensure no one is left behind in our shared digital future.

Stephen Hawkins

Letter to the Editor – Edina Johnston

February 12, 2026

Opposition to Bylaw 250, 254 & 255

I am opposed to Bylaw 250, 254 and 255 until such time as the Denman Island Local Trust Committee has completed a Growth Limits Study to determine how many people our island can support and still protect the values for which the Islands Trust was created. The initial first step would be to conduct a Build-out Study to determine how many homes (or residences) are now allowed on Denman under current zoning. This includes lots that are not yet built on and properties that are zoned to be divided. Multiplying the number of allowed residences by the capacity of each dwelling will provide an estimate of the likely number of people to be living here when all lots are developed.

Although, determining when a population is “too many” for a given area is not defined by a fixed number, but rather by the carrying capacity—the point at which the environment can no longer sustainably support the population with necessary resources (food, water, energy) and infrastructure.

Even though the increase from residential units at this R4 zoned property is only 4, the proposed increases in floor area, outbuildings and the permitting of secondary suites in all residential units could have a huge impact on the number of total occupants. More occupants equals more resources needed and even though the impact is lessened by rainwater catchment, composting toilets etc. there is always a negative carbon footprint created, resulting in loss of biodiversity, and deforestation.

The rural aspect of island geography is a valued and integral part of the islands’ life and communities which also helps to protect the rare and fragile ecosystems found on the gulf islands, which are

becoming all the more valuable as development pressures eradicate similar ecosystems in surrounding areas on the mainland and Vancouver Island. Local infrastructure such as our parks, roads, schools, community halls, garbage collection, recycling center, medical clinic, fire and rescue service and ambulance are all at risk of becoming overtaxed if we don’t heed our carrying capacity.

Bill 44 requires all municipalities to update zoning bylaws putting pressure on our nearby communities that we rely on for hospitals, police, ferries, colleges, universities, transit etc. Based on recent data, infrastructure in British Columbia is not currently adequate to handle the rapid population growth, resulting in a significant, recognized infrastructure deficit.

For our LTC to rubber stamp these significant changes for 5201 Denman Road sets a precedent and could potentially mean that other land cooperatives, cluster housing etc. would also receive the same approval, but without knowing Denman’s Carrying Capacity, we’re setting ourselves up for failure.

It’s hard to “preserve and protect” once you’ve opened the flood gates!

Edina Johnston

5271 Chrisman Rd.

Denman Island, BC

Letter to the Editor – Carie McGregor

February 12, 2026

A letter in last week’s Grapevine reminded me that I have been meaning to give some feedback for the writer, Quinn Ireland. Seeing what I knew to be a youth writing in the local paper was a breath of fresh air. It reminded me of when I learned to write a character sketch in school. It reminded me of a time when I wrote for pleasure, without feeling that I had to earn a paycheque from it, or an award, or a spot on the bestseller list.

I’m sure I’m not the only one who is sick and tired of adults and their never-ending opinions, not just the letters, editorials, columns, and feuds in the local papers, but in all media. We’re all so opinionated and sooo intelligent and so hypocritical and so damned boring. Maybe the bright young voices of Denman Island should start their own paper. It could feature writing, drawings, photos of other artistic creations and inventions, links to musical compositions, etc. I would much rather learn about what the future world changers are thinking, feeling, and making than have to hear the tired, regurgitated arguments of “adults” ad nauseam. It’s pretty obvious that we’re not going to change each others’ minds, anyway, at least not that way.

So thank you Quinn, for reminding me to do what is enjoyable. For years now I’ve been sporadically working on a children’s book and a sci-fi TV series. It’s sporadic because I get stuck in perfectionism and self-doubt, but you’ve inspired me to keep going because when I do it, I love it, so I’ll just do it for the love of it, with no expectations in mind. And though there very well might be a bestseller in you, (or me) I figure that as long as you’re doing what you love, you’ve already succeeded because you’ve carved out a little bit of happiness in this life. So cheers to you for sharing your voice. Thank you!

Carie McGregor

Letter to the Editor – Christiane Brown

February 12, 2026

Having read the Grapevine’s “Letters to the Editor” of February 5th, 2026

I was left confused with several questions:

The exchange between Keith Porteous and Dr. Stephen Malthouse does not look like actual Letters to the Editor but more like part of a private conversation?
If you can confirm that what you have published is actually part of a private exchange, has this been done with Dr. Malthouse’s permission?
For the sake of objectivity and for the unbiased readers’ wish to form his/her own independent thoughts and opinion, I believe it will be helpful, if not essential to release Dr. Malthouse’s original , uncensored Letter to the Editor that has been denied publication.
Without proper context, the above mentioned exchange does not make much sense.

Sincerely, Christiane Brown

—————-

Publisher/Editor’s Note:

In support of the clarity Christiane requested, we replied directly to her. As stated in our preamble to Malthouse’s revised letter, we had asked for a revision to his submissions because they violated TIG’s editorial policies. We took his response as his revision.

At no time has Stephen Malthouse requested confidentiality in his correspondence with TIG. Some of his views about indigenous reconciliation efforts are touched on in his revised response to us, but are less explicit than the original.

We will not be publishing his original submission because it violates the TIG’s editorial policies. Anyone can be published in TIG, but we insist they do so within the paper’s guidelines. Everyone who submits content that doesn’t meet the standard of TIG’s EP is offered the opportunity to revise it.

Mike Van Santvoord, Publisher and Editor