Dear Editor:
When a culture, educationalists, individuals, or youth believe it is appropriate to commit or support vandalism, I am appalled. Why is it that this is now considered acceptable behaviour across this country?
What justifies spilling red paint or tearing down and destroying these sculptures?
The removal of these public sculptures, which are still private property, is subject to specific procedures and conditions. So why aren’t these protocols followed if someone feels that firmly a statue should be taken down for any reason?
The colonizers of Confederation, whether saints or demons, are the same founders of Canadian history. Unfortunately, there isn’t much that can be done to change this.
Perhaps it should be remembered that accusing or pointing fingers at any race(s) of people, or the leaders of any country or denomination, will never correct this. Why are these people being blamed when they were not in power at the time these events occurred?
When are these acts of vandalism going to cease? Churches are being torched, and in several cases, with red paint poured down the church steps. So what happens next in these cases of vandalism?
Why haven’t any arrests or charges been made concerning the destruction and damage to this public property?
Instead, we prefer to teach our young people of all cultures that vandalism is acceptable in Canada when they disagree with something. Isn’t it better to teach respect and accountability?
Is this the new Canadian history that we want to be remembered for and celebrate?
Tasha Heart,
Elora