Letters, April 30

Caring for the homeless

Re: Cost of moving homeless $256K: city (April 29)

Because, it would seem, encampments are going to be with us for the foreseeable future, I support the city providing toilet facilities and regular garbage pickup at approved encampment sites for people who can’t or won’t move into other living arrangements.

Of course, we all (or at least most of us I’m assuming) wish there were no need for encampments of any kind where people live rough, but if there are going to be some then let’s at least provide the most basic of services starting with toilet facilities and garbage pickup.

And while doing that, let’s redouble our efforts to find ways to provide housing to those who can manage that arrangement. For those who can’t, let’s provide a more managed living arrangement with the needed mental health supports and security.

As far as the cost goes, I’m willing to pay a little more in property taxes if that is what is needed, if the city can demonstrate that it is committed and focused on doing what needs to be done as efficiently and effectively as possible.

Gerald Farthing

Winnipeg

Savvy perspective

Re: “In desperate need of innovation” (Letters, April 28)

Excellent letter from Marianne Cerilli! I agree with every word.

I can understand why Cerilli stays out of politics; but it’s unfortunate for the people.

We need someone like her, smart and savvy, to bring about the social and economic innovations needed to address poverty and climate change.

Marilyn Bird

Winnipeg

Facebook’s turn for the worse

When Facebook was introduced it was wonderful. It allowed friends and family to communicate immediately no matter the distance they were apart.

Twenty years later, it has morphed into a place where the some of the worst of what humanity has to offer lives. For those who embrace social media, it is nothing short of egregious to suggest that age verification may be required to access social media is somehow an invasion of privacy.

I would be surprised if the the letter writers and journalists don’t know that the social media companies already know more about their users than they know about themselves.

Every keystroke, every choice the user makes, is recorded and logged. A personal algorithm is then created and feeds the user what they like. The user is locked into an echo chamber from which they don’t really want to leave.

The social media companies are very knowledgeable about human behaviour, especially addictive behaviour, and they use it to increase engagement and increase engagement. Increased advertising equals increased profits.

We all know that if the media companies put morals and ethics before profit we would not be here. So please save your indignation for the social media companies rather than the government who are trying to provide at least a measure of protection for our impressionable children.

Gilles Nicolas

Winnipeg

Look ahead

WTF — where’s the future?

I am writing with regards to the current state of leadership concerning the future of our planet and our species. It often feels that true vision is lacking among those in positions of power.

Politicians frequently appear more focused on the next election than on long-term sustainability, while business leaders often prioritize immediate profits and share prices. Even the media seems increasingly driven by metrics like clicks and views rather than substantive discourse. While scientists and academics continue to warn us of the dire consequences ahead, their voices are rarely met with meaningful action.

In my view, greed and stupidity are the primary obstacles we face, yet they remain unaddressed by our current leadership. I believe it is essential that we hold our representatives accountable. The next time you vote, I encourage you to ask your candidate about their specific plans for the next 10, 20, even 50 years. We don’t need three word slogans, we need leaders who are committed to ensuring a viable future for us and for the generations to follow.

I mean really!

Terry Stead

Musgravetown, N.L.

Signage won’t help

Re: “Enforcement key to safe roads” (Letters, April 24)

I’m 110 percent in agreement with Frank Cullen — he’s hit the nail on the head. Reduced speed signs on Winnipeg streets will have about the same impact on reducing collision incidents as tougher gun laws have on curbing unlawful use of firearms.

I accept that slowing down will reduce injury severity should that misfortune occur, and mistakes by drivers or pedestrians (leading to potential collision) may be “dodged” altogether at lower speeds. However, as Mr. Cullen points out, this is a problem of driving responsibly and too many drivers today choose to ignore that obligation. Speeding and distracted driving are trending in the wrong direction and more signs (are we not overwhelmed already?), will have negligible influence on those making selfish choices behind the wheel. I’m also aligned with Cullen in believing some form of tangible enforcement needs to be in place if we truly want to reverse this very concerning trend.

Sadly, police resources (as we all know) are already crushed under current demands for their services, and so, another disappointing modern societal trend will continue to spark outrage each time the next “incident” occurs.

City council, please consider this. Spending money ($1 million-plus on signage) to make it look like something is being done is pointless if it has minimal impact. More signs for drivers are like more rules for gun users, they only affect those already accepting their responsibilities.

Gordon Bone

Winnipeg

It’s pothole season

It’s great to see the street cleaners out and about cleaning the mess off our streets. Now we really can see the potholes. When it comes to our sidewalks, don’t bother, you can’t walk on them anyway they are so heaved and in bad condition. When are our citizens going to get fed up with the Band-Aid solutions they give us?

I have been living in my neighbourhood for 45 years, from back when it was a new community. I have yet to see any road work being done. My back lane is a swamp in spring and you take your life in your hands driving down it. There is one spot that is so deep with spring melt I don’t know how the residents get into their garages. With the taxes we pay, it is ridiculous. Calling our political representatives doesn’t help.

Come on, where is our Winnipeg pride? I’m embarrassed for visitors to our beautiful city. I for one am fed up with how they manage our tax dollars.

Susan Mather

Winnipeg

A beautiful moment

I am not a hockey fan — in fact, it could be argued that I am a hockey widow. But if my husband were to pass away, I am sure that I would put the game on every so often just to bring him back into my living room.

I hear the national anthem sung by a variety of soloists, but recently I was treated to the powerful sound of an entire arena singing O Canada when the soloist’s microphone failed at Game 5 of the Buffalo Sabres/Boston Bruins game. While I felt sorry for the lovely soloist, it was so moving to hear the song sung as it was intended: by a crowd.

I have been wanting to write this letter for a long time to ask the question: is it just me, or are you also bothered by the fact that the national anthem has become a platform for soloists to show off their pipes at the expense of the anthem?

Isn’t the whole point of an anthem that everyone celebrates their nationality by singing together? I think the leggy versions of the anthems that I regularly hear at games discourage participation.

Call me old-fashioned, coming from the days when we sang O Canada in the morning and God Save the Queen at the end of the school day, but I am tired of hearing vocal gymnastics.

Save that for karaoke, and give me back my anthem, please!

Connie Lebeau

Victoria, B.C.