Dear Editor:
RE: ‘Clearly in error,’ Aug. 10.
I would like to thank Edward Vanover of Guelph for his rebuttal to my letter (Narrative silenced, Aug. 3).
Some of his remarks reflect his knowledge as one who taught the “long history” of the United States for more than three decades. I applaud his dedication and commitment to a very important subject. Knowledge can be acquired in various ways in and out of the classroom.
I am not one of “many Canadians who bash the U.S. knowing little about them”. For decades I was quite the opposite. I thought our neighbour to the south wasn’t interested in being “policeman to the world” and had no desire to take on the burden of leadership among nations. I now believe I was wrong. The U.S. has nearly always been involved in the affairs of other countries – militarily, financially, politically and commercially, and not always by “invitation”.
Today, more than ever, her actions have been open to examination and criticism thanks to excellent, brave award-winning investigative reporters and some rare news media. Citizens want to know more about the government who speaks on their behalf, and the “moral fibre” of their leaders. There is always more to learn.
It is not possible to be disconnected from the United States. Joe Biden and Justin Trudeau speak the same language, whether it is over Ukraine and NATO’s increasing military presence in the world, or the likelihood of another Cold War, this time with China. We are now firmly and irrevocably tied to the U.S.’ global ambitions.
Peace in Ukraine depends on Russia, of course, but also on the United States. Two global powers whose citizens have no desire for war but whose voices have been silenced. One, as a citizen, wonders why?
Janet Calderwood,
Rockwood