U.S. president-elect Donald Trump speaks during a meeting with the House GOP conference, Nov. 13 in Washington.Allison Robbert/The Associated Press
Death of …?
Re “America’s democracy delivered, whether you like the results or not” (Nov. 15): Delivered what? Does a democracy even exist if at least 35 per cent of eligible voters are indifferent to it, and more than half of those who do vote don’t seem to believe in it or understand it?
A real democracy can never vote itself out of existence.
Valerie Edwards Toronto
If we go a little deeper than democracy, we might understand the reason why Donald Trump won, why he commands such loyalty and why we might feel justifiably sad about what has happened to our southern neighbours.
The fierce loyalty of Republicans comes from real people not entirely unlike ourselves, who often view affluence, power and self-preservation above morality and ethics. Mr. Trump is the poster boy for such aspirations – who else could have pulled off the success of The Apprentice like he did?
Holding up any size mirror to the real self is not pleasant, but at least it’s real.
Joan McNamee Kamloops, B.C.
It is implied that democracy prevailed, all things being equal, which I find couldn’t be further from the truth.
The Citizens United ruling by the U.S. Supreme Court has flooded U.S. elections with corporate and special interest money. Social (and mainstream) media has flooded the culture with misinformation and disinformation, herding many Americans into political bubbles.
Add to these Donald Trump’s lies, gerrymandering and voter suppression, the lopsided electoral college system and a helping of foreign interference. Stir vigorously. The result is an electorate that seems incapable of making educated choices.
I do not wish to see America fail, if for no other reason than its potential to harm Canada, but I have difficulty holding out hope that the country can endure another Trump term. But if they have survived great challenges before, then they can overcome this. Right?
David Lewis Toronto
Better spent
Re “Kingston ‘health homes’ put Jane Philpott’s vision of primary care to the test” (Nov. 15): Doctor Jane Philpott estimates Ontario would have to spend $1- to 2-billion more per year to ensure that every Ontarian has a place in primary care “health homes.”
There are 2.5 million people in Ontario who don’t have a family doctor. Meanwhile, Doug Ford plans to spend $3-billion when he mails $200 cheques to 15 million Ontarians.
We’d be better served if he would fix health care and stop buying votes.
Stephen Hunter Ottawa
Mail delay
Re “Canada Post workers on strike ahead of busy holiday season” (Nov. 15): As a retired union job evaluation specialist, I am not surprised by this job action.
Since I worked with the Canadian Union of Postal Workers in the 1980s, its ranks have remained around 55,000 members. Meanwhile, the number of delivery destinations has soared from more than 10 million addresses to 17.4 million since 1990. Most recently, the post office turned a second-quarter profit of $46-million before tax.
Employee efforts should be fairly rewarded. Share the wealth.
Tom Baker Burlington, Ont.
It is obvious to me that the current operating model for Canada Post is obsolete.
To improve service to Canadians and reduce costs, convert all home mail delivery to community mailboxes. Reduce delivery to two days a week. If a client requires more frequent deliveries, offer a “Postal Prime” service.
Stop hiring. Do not lay any staff off and let attrition reduce the workforce to meet changing demands.
Brian Cervi Calgary
What better time for the post office to go on strike, with Christmas weeks away and the busiest time of the year for parcels and cards.
Nothing is gained and everything is lost, including customers who now have so many more options to send packages and letters. The corporation has already lost more than $1-billion in the last couple of years and now will lose even more. The employees only get paid if they go out on the picket line, and even then will never get back the money they are losing on a daily basis.
The world is upside down right now, with few solutions available. Buckle up, it’s going to be a bumpy ride.
Kathleen Hanna Prince Edward Country, Ont.
A friend who lives on Vancouver Island, a short ferry ride from my home on Salt Spring Island, popped a lovely birthday card in the mail around the first week of July. That would, seemingly, be in plenty of time for my birthday on July 15.
Some four months later, it arrived safely in my mailbox on Nov. 14. It may be some time before everyone realizes Canada Post is on strike.
David Cater Salt Spring Island, B.C.
History repeating
Re “Toronto Harbourfront Centre to cut 25% of staff as part of broad restructuring” (Nov. 15): It is sad to see that yet another arts organization is having money troubles. It is even sadder to me that in Harbourfront Centre’s case, this could have been 100-per-cent avoidable.
When I worked there in communications, back in the late 1980s, there was a funding model proposed to have the condo developments on Toronto’s waterfront pay for the arts programs. Somehow, the various developers managed to strike those provisions from their final land deals.
More money for developers, less money for the arts – a Toronto classic.
Joel Dubin Toronto
Leader leading
Re “John Horgan was a man of the people. That was his superpower as a politician” (Nov. 15): One of the first things John Horgan did as B.C. premier was reinstate tuition-free adult basic education.
It is a life-changer for so many young adults who, for whatever reason, are unable to complete high school. Whether it is Grade 11 science to get into a health sciences program or perhaps Grade 12 math to allow entry into a trades apprenticeship, someone working a minimum-wage job often cannot afford to pay hundreds of dollars in tuition.
Mr. Horgan’s action gave accessibility to those so much in need of a chance at a better life.
Karen Shortt Past president, Vancouver Community College Faculty Association; Nanaimo, B.C.
To me, John Horgan embodies the essence of the poem If – by Rudyard Kipling.
He was a man of integrity, dedication and perseverance who cared about the little people and held true to his sterling values. He epitomized the common touch while summoning the leadership to complete mega projects. He governed for the betterment of all.
Where are the role models inspired by his endearing legacy?
L.H. Mackenzie Vancouver
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