Eric Trump, son of former U.S. President Donald Trump casts the vote for Florida as Donald Trump Jr., son of former U.S. President Donald Trump watches on the first day of the Republican National Convention at the Fiserv Forum on July 15, in Milwaukee.Chip Somodevilla/Getty Images
State of play
Re “In wake of Trump shooting, Democrats look defenceless as Republicans play the blame game” (July 15): With a single image, the U.S. election may be decided: resolute, defiant, simultaneously the self-declared martyr and Republican icon, Donald Trump has likely all but defeated Joe Biden.
Just as the famous raising of the American flag on Iwo Jima encapsulated all that America believed of itself, so this image fires Mr. Trump into the stratosphere, his whingeing about sinister forces arrayed against him no longer imaginary in the eyes of his acolytes. No matter that this assailant was a troubled young man with access to an AR-15-style rifle, he will probably be promoted as the enemy, the Democrats pulling the trigger.
For the Democratic nominee to win, the party, its donors and the people closest to the President should do an about-face on their circling of wagons and defensive posturing, and forcefully convince him to release the delegates and declare an open convention.
Michael Cox Vancouver
Re “Canadian leaders condemn Trump rally shooting, say democracy must prevail” (Online, July 13): Once again, it looks like Pierre Poilievre sees an opportunity to throw fuel on the fire.
I find his incendiary comment, that he is “also happy that the suspected shooter is dead,” inappropriate for someone hoping to lead our country. He should grow up and start acting more like a leader.
Brian Yager Ferryland, Nfld.
Re “Joe Biden won’t concede, but neither will his critics. Something has to give” (Opinion, July 13): As a centre-left Canadian voter who’s canvassed for my local Liberal MP, I should be resolutely backing the Liberal Leader. And logically, I should also back the presumptive Democratic nominee for U.S. president.
But I find myself instead seriously questioning the level of self-awareness of both men, given the overtly deluded narratives that I see them and their teams spinning.
Brian Lowry Fredericton
New digs
Re “Ottawa defends purchase of luxury condo for diplomats in New York” (July 13): In the midst of a sputtering economy and a serious housing crisis, someone in Ottawa thought the timing was right to announce the purchase of a residence for our consul-general in New York – on Billionaires’ Row and featuring a pool, fitness centre, sauna and many other high-end amenities. This luxury is apparently required to accommodate official briefings and discussions with business and political leaders.
Maybe a bit of a commute for our Prime Minister, but it sounds like a perfect replacement for 24 Sussex.
Richard Boriss Peterborough, Ont.
Consumed
Re “Busted” (Letters, July 9): A letter-writer shares that a lengthy trip in his electric vehicle cost almost nothing through the use of accommodations that provided free charging.
Charging EV batteries costs real money: Who does the writer think is paying for it? Accommodations that do not offer this facility are certainly less expensive.
It is also commented that the trip was pollution-free. Any new load that an EV places on the electricity grid is likely supplied by burning fossil fuels.
Another letter-writer argues that hybrid electric vehicles can substantially reduce carbon emissions: a more credible claim than can be made for EVs.
Donald Taylor Kingston
Down the line
Re “A 60-second history lesson for Canadians” (Editorial, July 11): I have been waiting a long time for news outlets such as The Globe to realize that Sir John A. Macdonald is not the only person responsible for the country’s history with Indigenous peoples in general and residential schools in particular.
Columnist John Ibbitson made a similar point as that in your editorial (”Why should Sir John A. take all the blame for Canada’s injustices to Indigenous peoples?” – Jan. 24, 2023). But more awareness is needed.
The litany of failures regarding the Indigenous people of Canada belongs to every prime minister. Pierre Trudeau, with his infamous White Paper in 1969, tried to get rid of the Indian Act and assimilate Indigenous people. That didn’t go over so well.
The singular assault on Macdonald is just one of many examples of why everyone in Canada should have a solid grounding in the history of the country. The moral of the story here is that history is complex.
Some things we regret; others we celebrate. There is room for both.
J.D.M. Stewart, Author, Being Prime Minister; Toronto
I write wearing three hats.
As historian of the Albany Club of Toronto, which was founded as a result of Sir John A. Macdonald’s initiative, I feel he has been most unfairly treated in recent years. Your comparative points should result in a more balanced approach for the future.
As founding president of the Canadian Business History Association, I not only regret the absence of business in Canadian history curriculums, but the specific failure to recognize the passage of Canada’s first Bank Act by the Macdonald government, with its unique Canadian provision of regular reviews. It has resulted in the country having one of the best banking systems in the world.
And finally as a citizen of this great country, I think you are correct to move the fault of residential schools from Macdonald’s shoulders alone to those of other prime ministers and indeed the rest of the country.
Joe Martin Toronto
Dry up
Re “View from here” (Letters, July 15): I remember the last labour strife at the Alberta Liquor Control Board. I say last because the retail operation is now privatized.
Steve West, the Alberta minister in charge at the time, explained that privatization made sense because at government-owned stores, clerks were paid “$18 an hour to put Crown Royal in a brown paper bag“ – a very comfortable wage 30 years ago.
He was right on the money: Wages dropped dramatically when private retailers took over, and the government still collected its taxes. Big win for taxpayers and drinkers; for ALCB workers, not so much.
Two out of three ain’t bad.
Ken Johnston Ottawa
Out of the box
Re “Why the ‘death binder’ is becoming an essential part of estate planning” (Report on Business, July 10): One critical point: Never keep a will in a safety deposit box.
Once the boxholder dies, it becomes sealed and a court order is required to gain access, delaying the probate and estate settlement process for months, even longer. Always keep a will in an easily accessible place.
James Phillips Toronto
Letters to the Editor should be exclusive to The Globe and Mail. Include your name, address and daytime phone number. Keep letters to 150 words or fewer. Letters may be edited for length and clarity. To submit a letter by e-mail, click here: letters@globeandmail.com