Rating: NNNNN
Fantino smiles as his officers harass gays
The raid by snickering, ogling cops on the lesbian bathhouse night (NOW, September 21-27) is so ridiculous that it might be laughable if it weren't part of a long line of intimidation.
Apart from the raids on the Bijou last summer, there has been a moratorium on naked dances, which used to be held at two downtown bars. When police chief Julian Fantino met with the community last year, I asked him if actions such as the ticketing of the swimmers at Hanlan's Point was by rogue cops, and did he intend to stop it. Now we see more of the same, with heavy-handed intrusion into the bars and clubs of the gay community.
I hope Kyle Rae puts some backbone into it. Will this finally galvanize him and the gay community?
Joshua Burston
Toronto
In Canada, prejudice is the evil aberration
"You your way, and I
mine." That sounds beautiful to me. The only problem is, that's not what Bilal Abdullah (NOW, September 21-27) is saying. He's saying going his way means applying "strict corrective measures" to people who are on a road other than his and forcing them to go his way, too.
What shall we say to those who exercise their freedom by taking it away from others?
In Canada's diverse society intolerance -- or the "tolerance" that is just biding its time -- is the dangerous aberration.
Phillip Ernest
Toronto
The child you teach to hate may grow up gay
I don't care if someONE
is a Muslim. I don't care if someone's a redneck.
And I don't care if both think that "corrective action" should be taken against gays, or that homosexuality contributes "in many, many ways to a great deal of ...suffering and unhappiness."
The fact is, this is Canada, and you cannot justify educating our children with these attitudes that promote non-acceptance, misunderstanding, rejection, segregation and prejudice toward a particular population, especially one protected under Canadian law.
To anyone who works to teach our children that homosexuality is wrong: You can't ignore the psychological implications your attitudes have on young minds eager to please, fit in and make you proud, and you don't know to what lengths they will go to accomplish this. Especially if some of these kids discover that it is they themselves whom you are teaching to hate.
Robert Moore
Toronto
Killer of U.S. reporter still not apprehended
Charlie McKenzie's assertion that "no journalist has been killed on U.S. soil" since 1976 is undoubtedly mistaken (NOW, September 21-27).
In 1992, veteran journalist Danny Casolaro was found with his arms slashed in a a West Virginia hotel. His obituary referred to "his 18-month freelance investigation of various banking and government scandals that he believed were intertwined," including the Promis software theft Canada is currently doing its part to cover up.
Casolaro's death was intended to look like a suicide, but according to fellow researcher Kenn Thomas, "The gashes in his wrists were too deep to be self-inflicted. The suicide note was unconvincing... The assistant housekeeper of the hotel tells of bloody towels."
Tim Doucette
Toronto
Handful of residents dictate on Danforth
I was disgusted to read
about how a handful of residents around the Danforth think they can dictate what businesses can be allowed to open (NOW, September 21-27). Who is this Mike Tanner and what gives him the arrogance to think he can tell a property owner who to have as a tenant? What property does he own on the Danforth?
Where were Mike Tanner and the others who are complaining 30 years ago when the current property owners were struggling to pay their mortgages and make the Danforth what it is today? Where were Mike Tanner and his cronies when delinquent tenants weren't paying their rent? And where will Mike Tanner and his sidekicks be 30 years from now? Not on the Danforth, that's for sure.
George Kokolakis
Toronto
He tried to get Doug Christie disbarred
About seven years ago, I tried but failed to get Doug Christie (NOW, September 14-20) disbarred by lodging an official complaint against him with the Law Society of Upper Canada. I accused Christie of badgering Holocaust survivor witnesses and acting unprofessionally during the trial of war criminal Imre Finta. During this trial, I also heard Christie trying to minimize and even deny the horrors and mass murders of the Holocaust. I had to restrain myself from punching him.
The law society refused to disbar or formally censure Christie. They just said they'd watch him if he tries another case in Ontario. Big deal -- no justice in that decision.
Don Weitz
Toronto
A biased judgment on a professional lawyer
This correspondence is to acknowledge your article Some Picnic by Scott Anderson. I apologize for my delayed response.
I strongly take exception to your biased judgment and malicious publication upon any barrister/solititor, particularly Doug Christie.
Any person conducting themselves in a manner in which you describe in your article should be disbarred and/or be in common gaol.
I have been a loyal reader of your paper for many years now and your article offended me.
The responsibility of working with a licensed professional is a privilege. The direction of your focus should be that of the public's safety and direct concern for the public.
Kindly cease and desist this unwarrantable activity you call reporting/journalism. Conduct yourself accordingly.
David Huha
Law clerk, Toronto
I am a Jew but not an Orthodox Jew, got it?
I am offended that it is suggested that only Orthodox Jews have an interest in Stockwell Day as a candidate who has expressed an interest in eliminating discrimination from Ontario's education system (NOW, September 14-20). I am a Jew but not an Orthodox Jew (I hate labels also).
I am very much in favour of anyone who is willing to correct the blatant discrimination in our province's funding policies.
M. Bocknek
Richmond Hill
Kevin Breit one of best local finds in years
Stop the presses! We've
found the centre of the universe! In travelling through Toronto from Vancouver this week, I ran into a dozen or more people trying to find an alternate explanation for Tim Perlich's review (NOW, September 14-20) of Kevin Breit's Orbit Room performance. It drew my interest since the Toronto guitarist's Monday-night gig is increasingly renowned even on the West Coast.
Perlich didn't stop with the reviewer's prerogative to comment on an artist's work, but also took leave to characterize the Monday-night crowd at the Orbit room as wanna-bes and pretentious, idiots playing air guitar. An interesting description of Monday-night regulars like Kim Mitchell and David Wilcox!
As for Perlich's conclusions that Breit's work lacks soul and his technical prowess is without higher purpose, tell that to grown men and seasoned musicians with tears in their eyes at the phrasing and expression!
Such a shallow review of one of the most original artists to emerge in Toronto in years, coupled with a morose attack on an audience (which, by the way, represents your readership!) is so much at odds with experience that only two things could explain it.
Either we have all found the centre of the universe or you have an inexplicably angry young man writing your columns!
David Patrick
Vancouver
Another Sisters Euclid fan is heard from
Tim Perlich, you're a
music critic. You should have some sense of music, right? Can't you hear music? Can you feel music?
Oh, I'm sorry. I know I'm being harsh. But I am pissed. I love the Sisters Euclid. They are so good. I wish I could say more but I'm afraid that words won't do them justice.
It's unfortunate that great artists can get bad reviews. But it's OK. We all know that this happens. Just don't fuck with my Sisters, Tim.
Michael Ciccone
Toronto
