Let’s show respect for each other
Truth and Reconciliation Day worked out perfectly because it turned out that it was about the positive step forward acknowledging the history and truth of our Indigenous nations and not about Justin Trudeau.
Now we mustn’t let negative attention take this moment away by changing the political narrative. We must stay on the path to reconciliation and be respectful to each other. That’s what it’s all about. Let’s keep it that way. We are literally standing on holy ground.
Candis Zell
Pender Island
Stop nagging Trudeau about his Tofino trip
Our freely elected prime minister took his young family to the beach on our western shore last week; a beach as far away from Ottawa as he could.
He did not ask us to go anywhere on that particular day, but merely to join with Indigenous people in commemorating the atrocious events that have besmirched our country.
This non-news story should be confined to the shredder; the sooner the better in my opinion. The swamp has been well and truly drained! Let’s move on. It is time to end the begrudgement. We, as a nation, are better than that.
P.G. McEneaney
Colwood
Other than Trudeau, there is reason for hope
I am shocked and angry at the revelation that Prime Minister Justin Trudeau flew to Tofino for a vacation on the first National Day of Truth and Reconciliation.
The level of Trudeau’s insensitivity, hypocrisy and sense of entitlement has reached staggering proportions. For someone who claims that our country’s relationship with Indigenous peoples is of primary importance, his actions on Sept. 30 were an outrageous betrayal.
The Truth and Reconciliation Commission’s 94 Calls to Action provide a road map to achieving reconciliation.
Identifying a national Day of Truth and Reconciliation (No. 80) is an important step to publicly remember and honour the survivors of Canada’s residential “school” system and their families.
On Sept. 30 I wanted to feel a sense of hope that as a country we are starting to move in a better direction for all.
The prime minister’s decision to use this first important day of reflection and public commemoration for a vacation showed an incredible lack of leadership and judgment, as well as unbelievable disrespect.
Thankfully, I believe that there are many true allies who are genuine, sincere and ready to do the work. That at least gives me hope.
Daphne Donaldson
Victoria
Raeside cartoon was disrespectful, repugnant
Re: “Every beach matters,” Raeside cartoon, Oct. 2.
Cheap shot! Disrespectful! Do that in many other parts of the world and your days are numbered. You know that. And that’s what makes it repugnant.
Donald Lang
Victoria
Give Trudeau a break, and look at yourselves
I seriously doubt that Justin Trudeau did not turn his mind to the reason the government created this latest statutory holiday. We know he placed several calls to Indigenous leaders.
He walked along the sand at the water’s edge in Tofino — more complaints! I am surprised the Times Colonist provided so much room for people to voice their complaints.
Let me ask those individuals: “How did you spend the day, are you adjusting your mindset to be a better person, and determined to deal with Indigenous people on a fully equal and respectful basis?”
Most likely, the day has passed and life continues with all the foibles and misdirected beliefs you continue to hold.
Give our PM the benefit of the doubt. Consider the 80-hour weeks he most likely works on our behalf.
If you truly are committed to the now-overused “reconciliation,” let me suggest you look into your pure hearts and consider how we can all treat one another with real respect.
Eric J. Ronse
Shawnigan Lake
Staying away was the right decision
Prime Minister Justin Trudeau made a wise choice not to attend a scheduled event on Sept. 30.
First, attention would have gone to him, especially from the press who would have been reporting on him, hanging critically on every word looking for a story, rather than giving all their attention to the participants.
Second, the anti-vaccination/mask folks would have shown up with their loud and disruptive demonstrations, since they follow the PM everywhere, and we have seen their lack of respect for patients, their families or medical personnel, teachers, children or parents, and they would likely show no more consideration for the people who gathered for these events.
There might even have been some sort of physical altercation, as happened to Victoria’s police chief, which would have further taken focus away from any event Trudeau attended.
I am sad when I think of the Trudeau of a few years ago, willing to mingle with the crowd, to talk to people and have selfies taken with them, compared to the Trudeau of today, who is careful to follow the directions of his security officers to stay in the “square” of safety they create for him at public events. No wonder he tried to get away from those who track and harass him and to take his family to such an unlikely and peaceful place.
On Sept. 30 I think Trudeau gave First Nations people and their supporters the gift of centre stage, without distraction from their important messages and attempted to avoid having his presence create media focus on himself or a platform for the protesters.
Lee Porteous
Victoria
Don’t be a tiger when facing ignorance
Re: “Intellectual narcissism is a danger to public discourse,” column, Oct. 2.
Good read and I agree. It brings to mind the old donkey/tiger scenario, the donkey tells the tiger “the grass is blue” and an argument ensues.
Finally Your Majesty the Lion punishes the tiger. For degrading himself, as he’s told he is a brave intelligent creature that wasted time arguing with an ass to validate the truth that the tiger already knew.
There are people who, no matter how much evidence that are presented to them, either refuse to understand or do not possess the ability to.
Still others whose ego, hatred, and resentment, and their only concern is being right even if they are not.
When ignorance screams, don’t become the disciplined tiger.
Michael J.C. Anderson
Esquimalt
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