Letters, Feb. 2

Opinion

Hey there, time traveller!
This article was published 01/02/2021 (1424 days ago), so information in it may no longer be current.

Be accountable for Eishia

Re: No charges for officer in teen death (Jan. 29)

We all know the cause of this type of all-too-familiar story that is the Eishia Hudson shooting. We live in a society that has historically been, and currently is, systemically racist. One needs to look no further than the predominance of Indigenous persons who occupy our prisons, or who live in our poorest neighbourhoods. The real cause of this and other tragedies is obvious to us all.

Yet, what has our government done to address this situation? What have we as citizens done to ensure these inequities in wealth, living conditions and so many other areas are a primary focus for our governments?

If we really want to prevent more appalling losses of life of this type, let’s hold our governments accountable for the poverty and inequity that exists in our society. Let’s hold ourselves accountable. It is only when we live in a fairer society for all that we can hope for an end to these atrocious stories.

Brent Corrigan, Winnipeg

 

Re: OK, stop. Injustice prevails as IIU exonerates again (Opinion, Jan. 29)

I totally agree with columnist Niigaan Sinclair’s statement that Eishia Hudson’s death was preventable and avoidable. I offer these guidelines:

Don’t rob liquor stores.

Don’t steal a getaway automobile.

Don’t drive recklessly at high speed, endangering innocent bystanders.

Don’t refuse to stop when chased by the police.

When confronted by police who have weapons drawn, stop the automobile and put your hands clearly in the air.

Perhaps if Sinclair advocated to his audience these guidelines, instead of trying to paint every occurrence with the ‘R’ brush, they will be avoided in the future.

Gary Summerfield, Winnipeg

 

Legalize hard drugs

Re: Opioid deaths highlight need to decriminalize hard-drug possession, police chiefs say (Jan. 28)

I have been advocating legalization for some time now, as drug use of all kinds should be a medical matter, not a legal issue. I think what police are advocating is half-baked, however. It would leave criminals in charge of supplying drugs and raking in the profits. It would also leave purity and dosage up to the drug dealer, and product safety is not on the minds of street dealers.

If you are going to legalize possession of hard drugs, you must take the next step and supply users with standardized doses of unadulterated drugs. Any drug company would be more than happy to do this.

Michael Dowling, Winnipeg

 

No amnesty on building permits

Re: Amnesty plan offers DIY-headache relief (Opinion, Jan. 30)

Let me get this straight, Carl DeGurse: the city may grant an amnesty to homeowners who didn’t get residential building permits, letting the guilty skate.

Laziness seems to be a factor here, on the part of the city. The city should at least make an effort to track down the guilty parties, and thence go after the fees.

Brian Martindale, Lakefield, Ontario

 

No sympathy for snowbirds

Re: A look at the new travel restrictions (Jan. 29)

To the snowbirds whining about the quarantine regulations set in place with regard to entering the country: cry me a river. The rest of us are struggling to keep it together so we might have something to look forward to in the months ahead.

While you were away, the heavy lifting has been done, day in and day out, by people who will never know your privilege and for whom a two-week quarantine would represent a welcome respite from the challenges they’ve been struggling with for the better part of an entire year. Perspective means everything and, dare I say, your perspectives are in dire need of a reality check.

Dan Donahue, Winnipeg

 

Finding relief outdoors

Re: COVID-19 briefing (Opinion, Jan. 28)

Editor Paul Samyn’s description of his time alone at night on a skating rink inspires us all that we need to push back the negative feelings and appreciate all the positives that we should be seeking out in each passing day . I don’t skate anymore, but have often stepped out on to my empty deck, mug of hot chocolate in hand, to watch the rise of a full moon. For a short interval, just like it did for Samyn, time stands still for me. And that is always OK. Coming in to the warmth of my house, I am ever rejuvenated and ready to face my tomorrow with a positive outlook.

Shirley Augustine, Winnipeg

 

Trappers aren’t monsters

Re: Beloved pet trapped (Jan. 26)

After reading about the poor dog that was caught in a trap, I thought readers might want to hear from a trapper. We are not the bloodthirsty monsters that the “anti’s” would have you believe.

First, the person who set the trap is not a trapper; they are a person with a trap.

I have been a licensed trapper for 50-plus years and I can attest to the fact that we trappers do everything we can to safeguard our industry from bad press and to safeguard people’s animals. Today’s traps are very efficient, as evaluated by the Agreement on International Humane Trapping Standards, with Canada having the most humane methods in the world.

As to displaying a sign that there is a trap in the area, no trapper would ever do that because you might as well go buy another trap as the one you flagged will be long gone when you get back. Trap theft is one of our biggest losses; even in the wilds we have to blend in our traps to safeguard them.

We don’t trap where people live, because you can’t identify your trap and people are too lazy to keep their pet close and safe.

Ray Morin, Anola

 

Sympathy for Pallister

Re: Pallister has trouble telling the truth (Opinion, Jan. 28)

I have never voted Conservative, and probably never will, but I find myself feeling sympathetic to Premier Brian Pallister. I wouldn’t characterize his response to the two questions posed at his recent news conference as “lashing out”; I would say Pallister stood up for himself in what has become a war of words with certain Free Press writers.

Mac Horsburgh, Winnipeg

 

Re: Failure to crack down on travel before now another pandemic mistake (Jan. 29)

Dan Lett should be running our province. He has a solid understanding of what we as a province could have done, should have done and hopefully will do to alleviate COVID-19 in Manitoba. Carry on, Dan!

Rennie Bodi, Winnipeg

 

Courtesy needed on rivers

Re: Stop claiming river ice (Jan. 30)

As I ride my fat bike on the frozen river systems in Winnipeg, I am energized by the many folks making full use of our frozen water on the Seine, Red and Assiniboine rivers. The ice is riddled with home-made rinks, skating paths and with people cycling, walking and skiing.

When the full width of the river is cleared for a rink, it prohibits those not on skates from continuing on the river as they choose. Some folks who build on public property — items such as benches, rinks, paths or even a tree house — believe these things are only for private use.

Please remember our rivers are for everyone. If someone has put the effort into creating something, use it as is your right, but respect it and help keep it in good shape.

If you make a rink, remember those users who are not on skates, and allow room at the edge for the walkers, skiers and cyclists.

Let’s all enjoy our great Winterpeg!

Currie Gillespie, Winnipeg