Leonard Poole for Ottawa-Vanier

As many of you may know, I gave up car ownership some years ago, in an effort to reduce my ecological footprint. I love this unencumbered lifestyle. Some may think it restricts one’s freedom, but my experience has been quite the opposite.

Of course, this does necessitate my using other modes of transportation. Locally, I walk, cycle, or use the bus. For intercity travel I usually travel by Greyhound. This is what I used over the recent Christmas holidays when I spent eight days visiting with family and friends in Toronto .

Upon my return on New Year’s Eve it occurred to me that I was low on groceries.  I decided a quick stop at the Loeb store on Rideau Street in the Market area of Ottawa was needed. As a weary traveler, I entered the store, placed my luggage in the cart, and went in search of dinner.  Unfortunately, I wasn’t able to complete my shopping. Actually, I never got started. For reasons that no one has yet been able to explain to me, I was told I was “suspicious” and had to leave. My request for an explanation from the “Manager” (If in fact he was the manager, as no one introduced themselves to me.) was met with a shrug and a wave as I was herded out the door by four employees.

There is nothing like an insulting incident to fire up one’s creative juices. By January 2nd I had a four page letter in the mail addressed to the President, with copies to the Manager of Customer Service, and the Manager of the store.

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