From: Let’s worry less about the word ‘racist,’ and more about the effects of racism in Toronto, by Denise Balkisoon
“It’s shameful to see white political leaders making the conversation about the word “racism” rather than the realities of racism.”
I agree. And I assume that the writer counts Andrew Horwath as one of those leaders by throwing out the word in the first place. Any sensible person would understand that Michael Tibollo [Ontario Minister of Community Safety] didn’t intend any malice with his comment. Did he further stigmatize a community? Yes. Was his comment racist? No. Furthermore, I have to assume that Tibollo was in fact learning about the challenges faced by the Jane-Finch community. He’s mostly likely viewing the issues from a law-and-order lens, but he wasn’t there just for the heck of it. I’m not a Tory supporter. But the Left - and its increasing use of manufactured outrage and using identity politics as a wedge - certainly doesn’t speak for me. - JamesinTO
“Carding shown not to deter crime”. Not sure Denise, but is there not a clear a correlation? The summer of the gun happens two years after carding is stopped? I’m a little tired of idealists preaching love and sensitivity. Most of these kids need discipline and rules. I would encourage the left to show leadership by moving their politicians to at-risk neighbourhoods. Do some good for the people. Don’t just waste our time and speak in platitudes. - JoshuaCSM
This week’s notable discussion, featured in Tuesday’s From the comments:
From: That was treason, Donald Trump. We all saw it, a column contributed by Jared Yates Sexton
The Orange presidency has allowed me to understand so much better how a civilized country like Germany could have fallen under the sway of a fascist dictator. The Germans don’t need to feel so guilty - it can literally happen anywhere. - sageantoine
In response to sageantoine:
No, I think the Germans need to feel guilty, they engaged in the mechanized murder of six-million people, Jews, Gypsies, homosexuals, mentally and physically disabled. To compare what is going on today in the USA is obscene. - drjimmy1
In response to drjimmy1:
My read of what sageantoine said wasn’t quite the same as yours. Certainly, you’re right to say that what’s happening in the USA today doesn’t compare to Nazi Germany; however, I am shocked at what this President has done and continues to do while his GOP colleagues stand impotently by. Had you told me, a few years ago, that it would come to this I would have said that America would never stand for it ... and yet, they have. The USA is sliding toward greater and greater ugliness while those who could do something to stop it stand idly by. This, I believe, is what sageantoine was pointing out and rightly so, in my honest opinion. - MyCentsEh
From the Comments is a new feature designed to highlight interesting and thoughtful contributions from our readers. Some comments have been edited for clarity. Everyone can read the comments but only subscribers will be able to contribute. Thank you to everyone furthering debate across our site.
From the Comments is a new feature designed to highlight interesting and thoughtful contributions from our readers. Some comments have been edited for clarity. Everyone can read the comments but only subscribers will be able to contribute. Thank you to everyone furthering debate across our site.