Letters, May 29

Hey there, time traveller!
This article was published 29/05/2023 (1202 days ago), so information in it may no longer be current.

Looking for more Goldeyes info

Re: Goldeyes sneak past Cougars (May 25)

I was happy to see the great article Joshua Frey-Sam wrote on Thursday. The game on the 24th was great! Very exciting.

I had hoped (and this is a suggestion for a future article), that he would have mentioned the new protocols the Goldeyes have instituted regarding the pitch clock and the runner on second base in extra innings.

I think they are the same as the new Major League rules, but a clear explanation would be helpful.

I think the intent is to shorten the game, and make it more appealing to seniors (like me, who get tired if it’s too late), younger adults (who have to go to work the next day), and parents with young children (who they need to get to bed at a reasonable time or who become bored when the pitcher simply doesn’t seem to pitch!).

In other words — it makes the game more appealing for everyone.

I think the Goldeyes can use all the fans they can get. And knowledge of the new rule changes may entice a few more. I certainly like the new protocols!!

Linda Johnson

Winnipeg

Much to learn from others

Re: Keep church, school separate (Letters, May 24)

I find Dan Donahue’s comment “The teaching of faith has no place within a public institution, period,” to be somewhat troubling.

Perhaps Donahue intends teaching to be understood as proselytizing. If so, I agree. We should not, however, keep the narratives of various faiths from students.

In 1963-64 I was a Grade 8 student at River Heights Junior High. I had a teacher who had a deep interest in Islam, although I don’t believe she was of that faith. She literally opened my eyes to the tremendous contribution Islam has made in fields such as philosophy, mathematics and engineering, and in how to treat your fellow human beings.

My bookshelf is dotted with works of Islamic scholars such as Paul Ernest Walker, Wilferd Madelung and Abdullah bin Hamid Ali.

We definitely should teach the contribution religions have made to all aspects of life. That Grade 8 teacher opened a whole new world for me.

Kurt Clyde

Winnipeg

Time to change law

Re: School board to vote on Christian lessons in classroom (May 23)

In light of the fact that the legislation that allows for Christian education in Manitoba Public Schools dates back to the 1890s, and that presently, Winnipeg has churches, mosques and temples in every quadrant of the city, perhaps it is time for a change in legislation.

Parents who desire faith education can make that effort as a family, and ensure their children attend whatever childhood programming their particular religion provides. While that may be more difficult to accomplish for some families in rural areas dependent upon their faith foundation, parents who feel strongly about educating their children can find a way outside the school system to do so.

With the diversity we now have in our province, if anything, legislation regarding religious education in public, and for that matter, private schools, ought to provide for comparative religious studies across a broad spectrum of faith persuasions, including Indigenous spiritual teachings.

Legislation that allows for lessons in one faith to the exclusion of others has no place in Canada in 2023.

Dianne Sjoberg

Winnipeg

Thanks, reverend

Re: Approach Christian lessons in schools with caution (Letters, May 26)

I wholeheartedly agree with Rev. Dr. Loraine Mackenzie Shepard’s thoughtful and articulate letter in which she clarifies the dynamics at work in recent controversies related to public schools.

Her overall message paints a picture of an inclusive society that creates space for diversity. In a time when some folks seem to want us to go backward, her encouragement to engage the “other” in a spirit of mutual respect is a necessary expression to work at stronger communities, for which we all have a responsibility and obligation.

Mick Friesen

Gretna

Tree degrees of frustration

It has been a long-range project for the City of Winnipeg to remove our ash tree on the boulevard.

In 2019 I reported that our ash tree was in need of pruning; which the city did the following year. Then a wind storm took apart our tree which required cleanup as it was blocking the street which required another phone call to 311. They took the tree down last year, but left a visible stump. And no, I am not going to use it as a pillar for a planter.

Then this morning I received a notice that the stump would be removed in “2024-2025.”

This is so pathetic it’s laughable.

The only thing I can say with tongue in cheek is, “patience is a virtue.” I have no patience for the sad state of affairs in our city.

Al Friesen

Winnipeg

Unfortunate state of affairs

Re: Hold those who commit crimes responsible (Letters, May 25)

Regarding Christine Cockerill’s letter to the editor about holding those who commit crimes responsible, it would be nice if law-abiding citizens did not have to pay the price for some people who decide the law and rules do not apply to them.

But in today’s society the few outweigh the many in many circumstances nowadays.

It is frustrating and it looks like the majority of people who follow the rules and the laws will just have to live with it, unfortunately.

Ron Robert

Winnipeg

Rough ride

Nearly a year ago I had an accident on my motorcycle on the west perimeter, caused, according to the RCMP accident report, by broken pavement adjacent to a railroad crossing.

I was lucky enough to have a volunteer firefighter from (I think ) Elm Creek who straddled my body and held my head steady and a nurse who called an ambulance and the RCMP. The ambulance paramedics administered two doses of fentanyl in an attempt to reduce my pain and then transported me to Health Sciences Centre where multiple X-rays and CT scans were taken to determine my injuries — six broken ribs, a punctured lung and a broken shoulder blade. Later that night I was taken to ward D3, where for the next nine days I was taken care of by the most amazing doctors, nurses and orderlies. I was also lucky enough to have a great roommate — Jason M., who not only gave me great tips on how to get edible food but provided good conversation and camaraderie.

I’m still dealing with the pain and visiting a physiotherapist to restore range of motion, but I am sure that were it not for the excellent care that I received while in D3 I would not have healed as well as I have.

Many thanks to all that cared for me!

Robert Collings

Winnipeg

Nightmarish commute

To those of us in the southwest quadrant of the city, travelling east to get downtown or to access Pembina Highway has become a nightmare.

Taylor, Grant and Corydon are undergoing varying stages of repair, and Academy at times is slowed to a crawl. Yet our elected officials have once again blocked east/west travel on Wellington Crescent. Surely there’s room for both cyclists, and motorists.

It’s one thing to impose a 30 km/h speed limit — but to deny motorists this travel corridor is unacceptable.

Michael Leipsic

Winnipeg