Resisting racism together

Re: The growing horror of antisemitic violence (Editorial, Dec. 17)

I very much appreciate the Free Press’s editorial. I was born shortly after the end of the Second World War into a Jewish family whose members had been murdered in the Holocaust. I have experienced antisemitic comments on different occasions throughout my life. So, I’m well aware that antisemitism is a light sleeper; that it emerges out of its slumber when the circumstances are ripe; that the current rise of fascism in North America and abroad provides fertile soil.

The deadly Bondi Beach mass shooting is a particularly tragic expression of this.

Ongoing fiasco

The fiasco of the transit route restructuring is becoming a never-ending and increasing cost to city taxpayers.

Recently, transit officials reported to city council about the drop in ridership due to the changes. This loss of ridership, along with the corresponding loss of revenue, is a direct cost to the citizens of Winnipeg. In addition, it was mentioned that transit officials anticipated a loss in ridership due to the change, without indicating how much of a loss they expected, in the hope of attracting new riders.

Every business person knows it is easier to retain current customers rather than attract new ones.

Serious challenge

Re: “Cultivating a better political culture” (Letters, Dec. 17)

It was most heartening to read the letter by former MLA and cabinet minister Leonard Harapiak. His advocacy for citizen engagement is sorely needed in these turbulent times.

Harapiak’s challenge either to “stand back or become engaged” ought to be taken seriously. I am reminded of the term “bread and circuses,” which can be traced back to first- and second-century Rome. It refers to appeasement; citizens are kept well fed, docile and happy so that dissent fails to materialize. Some might call it infantilizing the masses.

A health-care proposal

Re: Virtual medical ward may be just what the doctor ordered (Dec. 9)

In his column, Tom Brodbeck takes a realistic look at the government’s latest idea to reduce the dangerous overcrowding of our ER departments.

The idea is promising for patients well enough to recover at home, with help from paramedics, opening up patient beds for those seriously requiring hospital care. Sadly, many hospital beds are used by elderly patients waiting for an opening in nursing homes. It does not help those whose health would qualify them, but who are unable to communicate with medical staff through Wi-Fi. However, even if it frees up some hospital beds, it’s worth consideration.

Must condemn attack

The recent attack on a Jewish holiday celebration at Sydney’s iconic Bondi Beach is an act of unspeakable evil that has shocked Australia and the world. The deliberate targeting of innocent men, women and children who gathered to celebrate the sacred festival of Hanukkah is not only a crime against the Jewish community, but an assault on humanity itself.

This was not random violence. It was a calculated act of terror driven by hatred and antisemitism. That such brutality could unfold in a place associated with joy, faith and togetherness makes the tragedy all the more devastating. A celebration meant to honour light, resilience and hope was instead marked by bloodshed and fear.

Just last year at this time, we were in Sydney with a group of friends. We experienced the city as welcoming, vibrant and deeply peaceful. Reflecting on that memory now, in light of what has occurred at Bondi Beach, is heartbreaking and deeply disturbing. It is difficult to comprehend how such a serene and beloved place could become the scene of such hatred and violence.

Transit eroding

Re: Riding the bus ‘unbearable and stressful’ (Dec. 11)

In the article, Coun. Lukes says she expects good results in the long term but, as J.M. Keynes said, “in the long run we are all dead.”

Especially true of seniors, this quotation emphasizes the need for governments to fix crises now, rather than in slow, weak tweaks.

Think of the animalsRe: City council looks at scrapping bird-friendly construction rules (Dec. 11)

Winnipeg city council is now considering scrapping its bird-friendly window bylaw because developers say it eats into their profits. This is only the latest in a string of moves by the city that sidestep animal welfare.

Earlier this year, the city had to be restrained by the province from gassing ground squirrels in public parks.

In 2022, council rejected a bylaw that would have curbed the sale of exotic pets.