Gallery: World première of the Anishinaabemowin dub of Star Wars: A New Hope

Where is the love?Re: The true costs of your pet — for everyone (Think Tank, Aug. 7)

Before I put Jerry Storie’s mean-spirited diatribe at the bottom of the cage of my precious lovebirds, Harry and Sally, they need to tell him that not only do pet birds add joy and song to a household, they also represent love for all in the pet kingdom.

Yes, pets cost money but they’re still cheaper than kids. Pets earn their keep just by being the lovable creatures they are. Even those with behaviour problems deserve our care.

The animal-human bond has been scientifically proven to reduce stress, blood pressure and, most importantly, loneliness. Pets can help children learn social skills and are crucial to society as therapy agents. They get folks out walking and talking to each other. Many unsheltered people have comfort pets, often feeding their pets before themselves. Manitoba Harvest gives out pet food when donations allow, and Bear Clan has held pet food drives.

The U.S. State Department has announced plans to close five overseas diplomatic posts approved by Congress: Douala, Cameroon (a branch office); St. George’s, Grenada (an embassy); Nagoya, Japan (a consulate); Medan, Indonesia (a consulate); and Winnipeg, Canada (a consulate).

All are located in countries that are partners or allies of the United States.

It is unusual for the United States to reduce its diplomatic footprint. With the exception of some retrenchment efforts during the Trump administration, Washington has generally viewed diplomacy as a force multiplier. Diplomacy is not simply a matter of authority and leverage. It requires sustained local engagement, relationships and presence.

Consulates and branch offices are not the same as embassies. They are smaller missions, headed by consuls or consuls general rather than ambassadors and often provide a more limited range of services. Yet they play a vital political, economic and cultural role, supporting both local populations and American citizens abroad.