A Canadian flag is brought onto the field for Canada Day opening ceremonies before the Toronto Blue Jays host the Houston Astros at Rogers Centre on July 1 in Toronto.Dan Hamilton/Reuters
Canadian way
Re “On the occasion of its birthday, here are some not-terrible things about Canada” (Opinion, June 29): As the number of people coming to Canada soars, I think how lucky we are and remember comedian Rick Mercer’s wise words: So many people in the world are “dying to … vote” and access the way of life we are so prone to taking for granted.
A.J. MacFadyen Canmore, Alta.
Re “Seeing energy policy only through the lens of climate change? That time is over” (Report on Business, July 3): Polling suggests Canadians are far more interested in their current living standards than the future implications of climate change.
Not a surprise that most people, Canadian or otherwise, would choose the path of least resistance. But it’s short-term thinking that evokes Goldman’s dilemma, which found many athletes willing to compromise long-term health for short-term riches.
So should our leaders capitulate? Or should they hold to the tougher road of long-term sustainability?
That’s not just Canada’s dilemma.
Steve Pedretti Toronto
Friends like these
Re “My message to Canada: Buckle up and get ready for a second Trump presidency” (Opinion, June 29): I had trouble believing what my eyes were reading in my Globe: a friend of Canada expressing high praise for Donald Trump.
Among other things, this friend praised Mr. Trump for being “the only president in the 21st century on whose watch Russia did not invade one of its neighbours.” I soon recalled the source of this strange point of view: the former U.S. ambassador to Canada.
While she may be correct in warning of a possible second Trump term and the need to prepare for it, I don’t share her enthusiasm and welcoming attitude for its actual occurrence.
Marli Hill Toronto
There has been much discussion as to whether our current Prime Minister or Leader of the Opposition is best equipped to deal with a second Trump presidency.
Against both is the fact they are Canadian and therefore far to the left of Donald Trump on such social issues as government health care, abortion and LGBTQ rights.
Fiscally, Mr. Poilievre’s party is somewhat akin to the Republican Party. And while he is presumably largely unknown to Mr. Trump, the Prime Minister and Mr. Trump seem to openly despise one another.
Mr. Trump may come to despise Mr. Poilievre. But a Conservative government may arrive at a modus vivendi with him; a Trudeau Liberal government would provide a living demonstration of how vicious and vindictive he can be.
Michael Royce Toronto
American way
Re “What great Americans from the past would think of its current political leaders” (Opinion, June 29): Columnist David Shribman mentions John F. Kennedy’s efforts to take the United States “to a moral high ground on civil rights and peace.” In the 2014 book Two Days in June: John F. Kennedy and the 48 Hours that Made History, author Andrew Cohen focuses on these themes, especially his “peace speech” to the graduating class at American University on June 10, 1963.
The peace Mr. Kennedy alluded to wasn’t the Pax Americana of U.S. nuclear superiority, but a “genuine peace” that makes life worth living. He concluded: “We all breathe the same air. We all cherish our children’s future. And we are all mortal.”
As Mr. Shribman notes, “They speak to us still.”
Chris Gates Cobourg, Ont.
Right way
Re “What do journalists mean when they use the term ‘far-right?’ " (June 29): The terms “far-right,” “extreme-right” and “hard-right” have seeped into the muddy waters of political discourse.
What are the criteria for their use? Italy’s Giorgia Meloni and Hungary’s Viktor Orbán are considered far-right or extreme-right, yet they endorse democratic values, respect election results and reject violence as a way to bring about political change.
In Europe, the centre seems to be shifting. This may be good or bad. In genuine democracies, we citizens must clean the Augean stables every now and then.
I see little difference between “far-right” and “extreme-right,” unless it is in a critic’s attitude. I am yet to meet ordinary folk who so self-identify, unless they are being ironic.
We should look for more responsible uses of these terms, which shed light on the practice of conservative politics. If one is a compassionate conservative, then one should show it by practising compassion.
Bela Szabados Vancouver
Leaps and bounds
Re “Fifty years after his defection, we’re still living in the age of Mikhail Baryshnikov” (Opinion, June 29): I remember my wife and I locking our bicycles near the Ontario Place Forum on Aug. 14, 1974, to see the National Ballet of Canada’s production of La Sylphide. Partnered with Veronica Tennant, a kilted Mikhail Baryshnikov astounded the audience with his athletic elegance and gravity-defying jumps.
His first postdefection public performance, impossible to forget.
John Sudlow Oakville, Ont.
DIY
Re “As Revue Cinema faces closure, the fight to save Toronto culture reaches crisis point” (Life & Arts, June 29): Why can’t Toronto’s cultural centres be self-supporting?
Sure, every venture needs support in launching, but companies like to see successful returns on investment. Unfortunately, it has been my experience that arts communities view culture as medicine and in need of government handouts as well as corporate support.
I believe this has led to mediocrity, less success and more need for support. And now we see the downward spiral.
If art speaks to the people, it would be given due attention and support.
Rob Graham Kingston
Name or two
Re “Eh plus: The 25 greatest Canadian actors ever” (Arts & Books, June 29): In my opinion, the best Canadian actors are the ones who permanently and resolutely reside in Canada.
Unfortunately, the majority of what Canadians watch – and want – on their screens comes from south of the border, hence name actors listed such as Mike Myers, Donald Sutherland and Eugene Levy – with no space for artists such as Rémy Girard, Dorothée Berryman and Lothaire Bluteau.
Eilís Ghliasáin Penticton, B.C.
No room for Martha Henry, the “first lady of Canadian theatre?” Find a shoehorn!
John Paul Morrison Hamilton
One of the dangers of “best-of” lists is that someone is sure to point out someone or something missing from it.
That said, where is Eric Peterson?
T.M. Dickey Toronto
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