Sex assault, lies and infatuations
Re A New Feminist Revolution, by Jane Doe (NOW, March 31-April 6). I’m curious as to what sort of justice system Jane Doe would like to see with respect to sexual assault. Is it one in which we drop the presumption of innocence?
Jian Ghomeshi was not acquitted because of “rape culture,” victim-blaming, misogyny or whatever other excuses feminists conjure up to explain this fiasco. He was acquitted because all three witnesses lied about their embarrassing infatuations with him. End of story.
Jan Burton, Toronto
A jury would have convicted Ghomeshi
When in a sexual assault case the defendant opts for a judge rather than a trial by a jury of his peers, it’s a reflection that he stands a better chance of escape via the system than facing the judgment of average thoughtful people who, faced with information about five similar charges against the same offender, would realize that something is amiss and be likely to convict.
Bruce Gavin Ward, From nowtoronto.com
A different model for sex crimes
I think we need to separate stranger rape, which is a crime that needs to be dealt with in courts, from partner rape, which includes all cases in which the perpetrator is known to the victim. This sort of sexual abuse would be better handled through a restorative justice model. Both the victim and the perpetrator can be educated and hopefully healed. This doesn’t mean that a restorative justice solution might not involve punishment for the perp, but it should be focused on recovery and healing.
John Rager, From nowtoronto.com
Lament for Rob Ford
Re Ford Fascination (NOW, March 31-April 6).
Rob Ford. Overjoyed.
Rob Ford. Getting annoyed.
Rob Ford. Overtaxed.
Rob Ford. Brought down the axe.
Rob Ford. Overindulged.
Rob Ford. Battled and bulged.
Rob Ford. Overlord.
Rob Ford. Sometimes bored.
Rob Ford. Over-the-top.
Rob Ford. Couldn’t stop.
Rob Ford. Overexposed.
Rob Ford. “Crack, beer, punks and hos.”
Rob Ford. Overwhelmed.
Rob Ford. Lost the helm.
Rob Ford. What a fall.
Michael McCamus, Toronto
Sympathy for the Devil
Re Rob Ford, 1969-2016 by Jonathan Goldsbie (NOW, March 24-30) Wow, really? Why no mention of Rob Ford’s alleged connections to an underworld of Toronto criminals in your coverage last week? His funding of a crack house? Wasn’t that all over NOW Magazine three years ago? When it was good to shit all over him for taking away a bike lane or smokin’ a little crack, every opportunity was taken. Where are your balls now? Why are all those who despised him as a mayor now painting this picture of a sad clown? I’m not sure who around me is on crack any more.
Mick Raunch, Toronto
Groucho said it best
I feel for Rob Ford’s wife and children, but that’s it. The damage he did to all city departments will not be forgotten by those with an ounce of memory. As Groucho Marx once said, “Time wounds all heels.”
D. Barrett, Toronto
Bike cover worthy of T-shirt on my back
I just got back from holiday and saw the cover of your Cycling Issue (NOW, March 24-30). That design is AWESOME. You should seriously think about turning it into a T-shirt in time for Bike Month, as its designs have gotten weaker over the years. As a Torontonian, a long-time NOW reader, a fan of great design and a lifelong cyclist, I would pay money for that shirt and be proud to wear it.
Adam Sikora, Toronto
No longer chasing phantoms on Bloor
Bike lanes on Bloor, should they ever get built, will once and for all prove how good – or how bad – bike lanes are (NOW, March 24-30). People can judge for themselves first-hand.
We will see whether bike lanes are bad for businesses, whether stores and restaurants need storefront parking to be profitable, whether people can really save $10,000 a year by giving up their cars and biking and whether they are willing to spend some of that locally.
We’ll see if streets actually become safer and if drivers feel less intimidated by the presence of cyclists always breaking the rules or not.
And maybe, most importantly, will Bloor be overrun by countless cyclists completely dominating Toronto’s car culture? And will that really be a bad thing?
Doug Wedel, From nowotoronto.com
Still stranded in the burbs
I am a “utilitarian” cyclist who lives in the suburbs. Since Cyclepath closed two years ago, there’s no bike store in my neighbourhood. The area of Bathurst to Bayview and the 401 to Finch has had no bike services. This is the equivalent to the area from the lake to Bloor and from Bathurst to Broadview downtown, and there are more kids here.
Adam Berel Wetstein, North York
Yes, T.O.’s got hip-hop VIBE
Re Why Can’t We Hear Local Hip-Hop On Toronto Radio (NOW, March 23). We actually play a majority of the artists you mentioned in your article all covering most of the GTA. Cheers.
Tarick Glancy, Music coordinator, VIBE 105
