A water bomber flies low over just outside of Hinton, Alta on July 23.Gavin John/The Globe and Mail
Battle plans, please
Re Pierre Poilievre needs to do more than play offence on defence policy (Editorial, July 24): The Globe editorial calls for more details from both the Conservatives and the Liberals for expanding NATO funding. There are a couple of things you failed to note. One of these is that you’re provoking an arms race with our adversaries. Do we really want to do that? But there’s a second point that seems to be overlooked by everyone. The U.S. Pentagon has listed the leading threats to U.S. security. There are the usual suspects, but also on their list is climate change. It is a genuine threat to Canada’s security as well. I would like to see defence funding geared to the real security threat of climate change. Let’s hear some detailed proposals.
James Robert Brown London, Ont.
Again, your plans, please
Re Jasper National Park evacuations complete after massive effort to help thousands flee wildfire (July 24): While on vacation last summer, my wife and I were part of the evacuation from Yellowknife. In a letter to the Prime Minister, I described what I saw and urged the federal government to take immediate steps to ensure it can more effectively safeguard Canadians. By some accounts, the current evacuation from Jasper was more chaotic and stressful than what I witnessed. Last December, this paper reported on plans by the federal government to pilot national emergency response agency options in 2024. Sadly, we are still waiting. I leave it to individual readers to draw their own conclusions about the fitness of this government to govern. For my part, I am deeply discouraged.
Peter Goldthorpe Toronto
If it’s broke, fix it
Re These Canadians want the ‘right to repair’ their stuff: ‘We can’t continue on the same way of consuming’ (Report on Business, July 24): Many small gasoline-powered engines for domestic and commercial outdoor power equipment have two air/fuel mixture screws for carburetor adjustment. Since the first gas-powered engine was built, these screws accepted a common slot screwdriver to adjust them – a ubiquitous tool found in any home. Now the screw heads come in any number of geometric patterns requiring the purchase of special toolkit. Clearly the manufacturers of these products wanted to get into the tool business.
Martin Wale Dorval, Que.
Urban chickens
Re Toronto turns to pigeon birth control to rein in the bird’s population (July 23): Pigeon pie is delicious! Why not trap pigeons and eat them? In the 1950s, flocks of pigeons would descend on fields with newly planted grain. English farmers went out on Thursdays at 5 p.m. and shot as many as possible. My mother cooked the breast and leg meat. My lunch of pigeon sandwiches was greeted with horror by my classmates!
Anna Leggatt Toronto
And animals we love
Re My dog has brought me closer to my neighbours (First Person, July 23): The evidence for the role of pet ownership in boosting the mental health of children is quite compelling. A study in BMC Pediatrics in 2022 involving follow-up of 571 children over eight years concluded that there was “cumulative significant reduction in any mental health diagnosis in children with a pet dog or cat.” Lupe the “calming goat” in the movie Ferdinand is a heart-warming example of an emotional support creature!
Paul Thiessen MD (retired pediatrician) Vancouver
Joe the fox
Re Joe Biden’s selfless act must not be squandered (Editorial, July 23): I do not believe that Joe Biden is getting nearly enough credit for what is likely the most politically astute act in a very long time. He not only suckered the Republicans, he forced the Democrats to bend to his will to ensure a unified party. Mr. Biden’s timing was simply masterful. I believe “Sleepy” Joe knew for weeks, if not months, that he could not beat Donald Trump. However, he remained vehement that he would continue to run. The Republicans took Mr. Biden at his word and, with overconfidence, Mr. Trump selected as his running mate J.D. Vance, a Beverly hillbilly and Mr. Trump’s Howdy Doody and Mini-Me, a person who adds nothing to the ticket except youth and inexperience. As Democrats got more and more depressed, Mr. Biden continued to bide his time until after the Republicans were stuck with a weakened ticket. Mr. Biden also chose the right moment to ensure his pick for presidential candidate, Kamala Harris, would breeze into the nomination. He waited until it was too late for the Democratic Party to have another primary season, so the Democrats had no opportunity to present a divided front. There will be no challenges to Ms. Harris and no floor fight at the Democratic convention. The Republicans will have no negative ammunition from Democrats to use against Ms. Harris while just about every influential Republican has said something derogatory about Mr. Trump. Mr. Biden’s gait and words might be slow, but I think he still has the sharpest mind in politics.
Norman Rosencwaig Toronto
Who would have ever thought that Mexico would have a female Jewish president and the U.S. could have a female Black president of South Asian heritage. If Canada were to elect a woman as prime minister, we could have a perfect trifecta in North America.
Kalman Green Toronto
Extreme measures
Re Stay grounded (Letters, July 24): A letter writer makes the point that the greatest personal carbon emissions are from air travel, and if we want to mobilize toward climate stability, we should “end air travel, now!” Despite its extremism, I can only applaud this sentiment. In the aftermath of the pandemic, discretionary air travel has increased enormously. I think that there is a big difference between flying to visit faraway loved ones and flying routinely and regularly to far-flung tourist destinations. According to the European climate service Copernicus, last Sunday was the hottest day in recorded history, so it behooves us to revisit our assumptions about vacation travel entitlements. And business meetings and conferences. Don’t get me started on space travel and warfare.
Carol Lewis London, Ont.
Take a seat
Re Who you calling old? (Letters, July 24): Like many of my fellow boomers (I’m 72), I have been known to decry the lack of civility of younger generations – their focus on themselves and their disregard for others in public spaces. So whenever one of them offers me (or anyone else) a seat on public transit, I am heartened by their thoughtfulness and by the example they set for the others around them. To those of my generation who feel the need to discourage such behaviour because it offends their need to be seen as young, get over yourselves!
Carolyn Wood 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