A Message from Doug Draper
It Appears that the Niagara At Large site may have been hacked or compromised by some unknown party.
I have been trying to get NAL back online, so far without success.
I have been operating this site out of nothing more than passion, as a journalist and as someone who continues to care about the health of our community for current and future generations, and I have so far done it for more than 12 years for no monetary compensation.
It is sad that this is the thanks that you get.
I apologize, once again, to the many good visitors to the Niagara At Large site, and there are more than I could ever have imagined that fall into that group. However, the majority out there – I fear – do not give a damn about the serious issues that impact our communities and the natural environment we all depend on for survival. Most do not even care enough to votte.
So one wonders if it makesany sense to go on trying to engage more people to become actively involved in the welfare of our communities, or would one’s time be better spent playing a guitar or reading a good novel.
- Doug Draper, Niagara At Large
Niagara At Large 
This is terrible news, Doug! I hope and pray that you get your site back — we need you and NAL!
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Hi Doug, so sad about the hacking. There are some real bastards out there.
You have always been a very committed journalist, even back to when we covered the same assignments when I worked at CHSC Radio. Your work here has also been important. I have found over the years that many people read these things âsilentlyâ and do not react to them publicly, but oftentimes it has had a private impact that shows up down the road, either in voting or some other form.
It is up to you to decide whether to continue in some form, but regardless of your choice, I think and believe you have made an impact on Niagara and in many individuals, and that should be of some satisfaction to you to offset the downside of the hacking.
Cheers and all the best, mate.
Tim
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Hey Doug. So sorry to hear about the hack. There are a lot of idiots out there, but there are also a lot of people who feel the same as you and appreciate what you are doing. Wish I could help you more. Thanks for everything!!
Brigitte
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Good afternoon Mr. Draper,
I have been a loyal visitor to your “Niagara at Large” newsletter for many years and am sad to hear that you are thinking of calling it quits. I completely understand and, in some ways, have felt the same way, especially after the last election. I canvassed earnestly for my local Liberal candidate who lost to her PC rival and I just could not even begin to understand how this could happen. Why had folks not learned from the previous election? It does seem that we constantly move one step forward with human rights, equality and the environment only to be knocked back once again. I am still working with my local riding associations but, certainly, without the hope that I once had for getting our province to care about anything except payouts to corporations. I feel defeated, as I’m sure you must.
I want to thank you for your journalistic integrity and wealth of knowledge and insight that has allowed me (and I’m sure so many others) to become aware of what was and is happening in the Niagara Region and Ontario. I, too, am worried for the future of our province and our world, but I am troubled by the apathy of so many. I guess it really has to get much worse before folks understand that they have to work to make our democracy better for everyone, including themselves.
Whatever your decision about “Niagara at Large”, I want to take this opportunity to thank you for all that you have done to raise awareness. I know that you will not stop caring and I’m sure you will find another outlet for your passions.
With deep appreciation,
Linda Sawka
lincs@bell.net
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That totally SUCKS!!!! The saddest part is that if we lose the truthful and dedicated press the creeps win. There’s enough ignorance in society today and to lose a site of information like yours is just another nail in the coffin.
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I can definitely understand your frustration, Doug, but please don’t give up. Especially with Drug Fraud as our premier, we must all continue to fight!
Take a break, jam out with the guitar and read a good book, and reclaim your passion!
Thank you for all your efforts to date!
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Sorry to hear about the hack and can understand your frustration. Take some time off and relax before you decide to do anything. A month from now you might think different. Take care Doug.
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Don’t give up, I appreciate the issues you bring to light
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I can’t imagine how discouraging it must be for you to have to deal with this. Why people do what they do sometimes amazes me. I would miss you very much if you were to discontinue your posting. I do subscribe to the local paper but I often get more news from your site than I get from them. I greatly value your informed opinions on the local politics.
I know this has been a labour of love. However, if you were to go to a paid subscription I would definitely seriously consider subscribing.
All the best to you and your family in the new year.
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Keep fighting the good fight Doug!
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I realize that the recent attack has been discouraging Doug but please take solace in knowing that NAL has been an effective voice for Social Justice and the Environment.
NAL was a target of the ‘hack attack’ precisely because it has been effective in ‘rustling feathers’. The bullies are not accustomed to being contradicted. You might even consider the hack as a compliment and proof of impact.
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Doug – that is simply not nice for sure but I have faith you will come to the right conclusion for yourself but your work has certainly never been in vain. You do make a difference,
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