Email: letters@nowtoronto.com
Denial and white privilege
A fine piece by Alice Klein on Attawapiskat Chief Theresa Spence (NOW, January 31-February 6). A few people commenting on it online obviously don’t know what the audit of Attawapiskat was all about.
One commenter asks, “How is it possible for a media-savvy journalist like Alice Klein to be so gullible?”
Answer: It’s not, she isn’t, and your premise needs some serious realigning.
I guess denial has to be the first step in recognizing white privilege. Painful to see so much of it.
Peter Marmorek
From nowtoronto.com
Relating to First Nations
Thanks for continuing to tell the First Nations side of the story and Idle No More.
Non-native Canadians have no way to relate to reserve life. We earn our keep or we live in poverty. Few of us rely on government funding for housing, heat, food, etc. Most of us don’t like dealing with government. They make simple transactions needlessly complicated.
The impressions left by upset, demanding protesters are not helpful. They seem to be saying that Canadians are trying to commit genocide and that we owe natives whatever they demand.
We know there are serious and long-term problems on reserves, but the accusations and unlimited demands do not lead to understanding and solutions. They only cause confusion and distrust.
Please keep writing on the subject. You are helping to clarify a few things, and ultimately clarity is needed to reach solutions.
Peter Adamson
Calgary, Alberta
Integrity commish messed up on Ford
Jonathan Goldsbie asks, “What’s the point of an integrity commish if she isn’t handed the power tools for the job” (NOW, January 31-February 6). Unfortunately, the “commish” did have the power tools.
Instead of a repayment, she could have suspended Ford’s pay in the amount of $3,150 (or even for the balance of his term), which is clearly permitted under the City Of Toronto Act.
If she had done that and Ford had spoken to the issue at council, he would be gone today. The integrity commissioner shouldn’t be given more powers. She should be given the boot.
Charles Evans
Toronto
If Rob Ford is smart (fill in the blank)
Rob Ford should see the light and look in the mirror. The attacks will not stop.
The bad behaviour, numerous controversies, excuses and defence from his brother, and the time wasted due to distractions that’s preventing civil work from being accomplished, hurts the entire council. If Rob Ford were smart, as voters desire him to be as an honest man, he’d resign.
John Baker
Toronto
Enduring wonder of Ford’s foolish saga
Re Lloyd Dilworth’s letter (NOW, January 31-February 6). Wow – German romanticism, a misogynist slur, “pig-biting”, dust settling… so little time, so many mixed metaphors. But hey, when you’re an apologist for the likes of Ford, anything goes, right?
And with regard to NOW’s coverage of our less-than-illustrious mayor, you do understand that the media’s job is to question authority, don’t you? Furthermore, Ford’s conviction on a conflict of interest charge was vacated on a dubious question of jurisdiction, as otherwise the appeals court logically would have had to agree with Hackland’s original ruling, i.e. that Ford is guilty.
One of the enduring wonders of Ford’s foolish saga is that he continues to attract defenders like Dilworth.
R. Turnbull
Toronto
It’s a gas in NYC
Wayne Roberts’s article about the Bremner substation (NOW, January 31-February 6) tries to compare electricity use in Toronto and New York City. He then attributes [our use of more per capita] to lack of conservation efforts on our part. It is not. It is because people in NYC use natural gas to cook. It would be nice if apartment builders here decided to install gas in high-rises. If you’re going to argue that the problem is with Big Hydro, you’d better look at small construction and irrational fear of explosions as the real culprit.
Adam Berel Wetstien
Thornhill
Wynne complicates things for the NDP
Re Kathleen Wynne It Is (NOW, January 27). Hopefully, this Liberal Party of Ontario premier will be truly liberal. Clever shot for the Libs trying to push out Andrea Horwath – if Tim Hudak doesn’t manage to squeeze in. This outcome has to cost Horwath some votes.
S. David
From nowtoronto.com
Globe book smarts
I am encouraged that NOW thinks that fewer column inches about books in the Globe & Mail is bad (NOW, January 28). But surely Globe readers can join NOW readers, who already enjoy and appreciate NOW’s comprehensive and wide coverage of books in every issue?
Murray Moore
Mississauga
Head banging over Soundgarden
Guys. What’s up with not including Soundgarden at Sound Academy in The Scene roundup (NOW, January 31-February 6)? I was banging my head all week. Now I’m just shaking it.
Chris Jackson
Toronto
Greene thumbs up
Great to see Sarah Greene’s 4N review of Petunia and the Vipers’ country swing album (NOW, January 17-23). It’s recognition overdue for a exciting band and an electrifying singer/songwriter. Oh, did I mention awesome attire and soulful personality?
Janet Challis
Toronto
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