‘Sickened’ by story
Dear Editor:
RE: School board should do more to prevent, address racism: parents, July 4.
As a white father of a Black daughter this article sickens me to no end. I came to Canada in the early 1960s, a decade known for racism and anti-war rhetoric.
But somehow crossing the 49th parallel, that rhetoric died down to a virtual murmur. And I’ve lived 60-plus years in this great country, where most of its citizens lived in a free and fair society. Was it perfect? No, but compared to our southern neighbours it was and still is pretty darn good in comparison.
Now, I’m not naive to think my daughter hadn’t experienced some form of racism growing up in Canada. But to read one of these Black students, in Grade 4 no less, was compared to feces by a classmate? In my experience raising my daughter in Canada, young children absolutely do not see “colour”. But somehow as children grow up they start noticing “differences” and colour is no exception.
How does this transformation occur, you might ask? Personally, being raised in an American family in Canada, this transformation is learnt in the home for the most part. Yes, media can play a hand, but most Grade 4s aren’t watching the news media as an adult might. Sadly, even in Canada racism begins at home. And I don’t have an answer to that issue.
But, what struck me in this article is our school boards aren’t equipped to handle racism in our schools? Considering this “issue” has been around since the landing of the first slave ship, I’m gobsmacked that in today’s world we don’t have the tools to deal effectively with this incendiary topic.
I knew from a very young age that the N-word was unacceptable, despite the American overtones growing up. It was on a level with swear words, which when used at Claremont P.S. during the mid-to-late 60s meant your hand had a date with the strap. The fact that the article described how a Black principal handled a racist issue to the satisfaction of the parents, but a later ‘issue’ with the same child wasn’t, due to the fact the former principal was no longer there? This is as surprising as it’s unforgivable.
I have to give total credit to the parents cited in this article. I can’t honestly say I’d of handled the situation with as much calm and decorum as they did. I mean it’s your kid being humiliated for God’s sake!
But these parents were the epitome of Michelle Obama’s “when they go low, we go high” … And to that end I hope their efforts will affect the positive change our society so desperately needs.
Brett Davis,
Orton
Councillor too casual
Dear Editor:
Do we not have respect for anything or anybody anymore?
During a recent council meeting, with a photo of the queen hanging on the wall, a councillor was wearing a baseball hat backwards – is this the new norm? – and maybe shorts as well.
I don’t see other councils allowing this. Is the mayor scared to ask him to remove his hat or leave the council chamber?
Get some control and respect back in the chamber, Mayor.
J. Alexander,
Fergus
‘Left-wing extremists’
Dear Editor:
RE: ‘Hypocrisy,’ June 27.
How do you converse with someone who prefaces their thoughts with “I believe such and such is not about debate”? You can’t, there’s no room for debate with that logic, the conversation is over before it begins.
But, sadly, that’s how a lot of left-wing extremists “debate” all kinds of important things, just like LGBTQ issues. They only want you to adopt their ideologies without hesitation because it is right in their own eyes, and anything else is bigotry, racism, exclusion, etc., hence Pride month.
That’s where I have a problem with Michael von Massow’s ideas.
I don’t want mental struggles or suicide in our society either! I think they are a travesty, but to understand why they happen, we need to discuss the root of the issue. This is where many struggle with the truth.
Now about the statutory Christian days, if anyone proposes to axe Christmas and Good Friday as a statutory holiday to save some money, then have at it! That’s not going to stop me from celebrating the birth and death of Jesus Christ!
Doug Vanderveen,
Belwood
‘Outright bigotry’
Dear Editor:
This week, Minto residents were collectively spammed with an anonymous flyer decrying the inclusionary nature of Minto, as it relates to Minto Pride. The person(s) responsible for this disgusting missive of course do not state who they are.
They did, however, state that 900 residents complained to Minto council and were ignored. Well, those 900 persons are less than 10 per cent of the population of Minto, and yet they feel that as a small minority of persons, they should have the right to decide what is correct for the entire population of the Town. They feel that Minto Pride is not representative of all Minto residents. Well, bigoted attitudes are also not representative of all of Minto.
Let me state for the record, and I am happy to sign my letter, that this type of outright bigotry has no place in our community.
Minto is a fantastic place to be. It is a place for all of our neighbours – our Muslim neighbours, our Hindu neighbours, our Christian neighbours, our LGBTQ+ neighbours, our straight neighbours, our atheist neighbours – everyone.
Speaking of Christian neighbours, if the persons who are complaining about the inclusion we offer to everyone (no matter what their religion or orientation), call themselves Christian, then perhaps they should read their own Bibles and ask themselves “what would Jesus do?”
My understanding of the Christian faith is that Jesus did not discriminate against anyone, and told his followers to love their neighbour as themselves. He did not say love only the neighbours who look and think exactly like yourself, but to love everyone. All your neighbours – your Black neighbours, your brown neighbours, your Indigenous neighbours, your gay neighbours – all your neighbours.
Who are these anonymous complainants who feel they can decide to destroy anything they don’t like, just because they don’t like it? Please, make yourselves known. If you have any integrity please declare yourselves publicly. I for one would like to meet you and hear exactly what it is you are so afraid of, and maybe we could have a mature conversation about human rights and dignity for all.
Also, I would like you to explain how somebody being gay hurts you personally? How do rainbow crosswalks hurt you personally? How do drag story hours hurt you personally? Because I can tell you that your hatred does hurt others personally, and that is truly offensive.
Don’t like drag queens? Well, don’t become a drag queen. Don’t like gayness? Well, don’t be gay. Don’t like the idea of someone being trans? Well, you don’t have to be trans, either.
As a matter of fact, you don’t have to be anything you don’t want to be. Please allow the rest of us that same privilege. Sexual orientation is not a choice. Being a bigot is a choice.
Juanita Wilkins,
Minto
Mending fences
Dear Editor:
On June 28 at about 7:30, there was a knock on my front door. Six young guys (aged 16 to 19) were standing on my veranda.
“How can I help you?” I inquired.
“We knocked down part of your fence and want to make it right.”
I said, “Let me get my boots and we’ll take a look.” I followed them to the scene of their accident near my gate. There were a few smashed panels of rails and stones tossed about.
Did anyone get hurt? Where is the vehicle? No one injured and the vehicle is at home!
Okay then, when can we fix this damage? We decided on the next day at 1pm. I pointed out that we’d need some tools and materials.
I put some of the tools we’d be needing in the back of my truck and awaited their arrival. 12:50pm came, then 1:00, then 1:10 – had I been scammed? With a roar, flags a-flying, two pick-ups arrived. Out poured four guys, together with shovels, wire and some tools.
We introduced ourselves (first names only was all I wanted). Let’s get to work. “Who knows how to fix a rail fence?” No one raised his hand. “I did because I built this one” I said.
In less than an hour, we talked, they listened, learned and built. We fixed the fence and cleaned up. We all shook hands, reflecting on the events of the last 24 hours.
I pointed to my property and said, “Don’t forget that Bruce lives here and he is one of the good guys.” We all laughed. Off they went in another roar of trucks, exhaust and flags-a-flying
I’m sure that they all sighed a breath of relief and I hope that they will remember their responsible behaviour, a favour returned and that good deeds are appreciated when they “Build a fence someday.” Nice young guys, who got into a bit of a mess but did the right thing. Thanks guys.
Bruce Hawkins,
Fergus
Carbon charge shock
Dear Editor:
Anyone who uses natural gas for heating or hot water heating will see disturbing changes in your bills spring and summer months.
Your gas supply charge will be less than the federal carbon charge thanks to Justin Trudeau’s government.
As of April 1, the carbon charge was 15.3 cents per cubic metre, while the gas supply charge was 11.2 cents per cubic meter.
If you do the math and price of gas does not increase very much, then from now on the carbon charge will be the biggest cost on your gas bill.
Something to think about.
Paul Roberts,
Fergus
‘Too much to miss’
Dear Editor:
On July 11, 2018, my son was killed by an impaired driver.
In the years that he’s been gone, he has missed so much:
– six wedding anniversaries;
– three graduations;
– 30 family birthday celebrations;
– numerous hockey and baseball games;
– countless family game nights;
– many days of working at a job he loved; and
– 2,190 days of a happy life.
He has missed too much.
Please don’t drive impaired. There’s just too much to miss.
Kate Dodsworth,
Elora
Owes life to Canada
Dear Editor:
Oh Canada
(Written on Canada Day 2020)
We arrived on your shore,
with but faith and hope,
The final stop of our lives.
You granted us our freedom,
And work to help us thrive.
You welcomed us into your citizenry,
We swore an oath to you.
To maintain your laws and values,
And remain loyal and true.
Oh Canada glorious and free.
Oh Canada, I owe my cherished life to thee.
Mike Schertzer,
Fergus