Letters, Feb. 14

Opinion

Hey there, time traveller!
This article was published 14/02/2025 (230 days ago), so information in it may no longer be current.

Have a little dignity

Re: A ‘warm and hearty’ handshake: Kinew (Feb. 13)

Surely I am not the only one cringing while reading story after story about premiers bending over backwards to get the attention of people in the Trump orbit. I understand some of this prostrating may (sadly) be required. However, at some point, we should cut our losses, and stop wasting resources on trips to the U.S. We all know we are pawns in a game with little ability to influence the outcome, given the character of the primary decision maker.

It would be so much easier to swallow the ingratiating behaviour if we heard more about concrete steps in progress to mitigate the harm, such as removing various interprovincial trade barriers. Canadian governments have a much better shot at demonstrating real change here. Plus, there’s the bonus of keeping one’s dignity.

Michelle Burdz

Winnipeg

While all the other premiers were looking very sombre and serious during the tariff meetings with all the premiers, why is Manitoba’s premier grinning ear to ear as he always does? Perhaps he assumes there is a money tree somewhere? Perhaps he does not truly understand the gravity of the situation, or does he think it is funny for some strange reason? Someone needs to ask the question.

Mark Sherwood

Winnipeg

In defence of charm

Re: A ‘warm and hearty’ handshake: Kinew (Feb. 13)

I congratulate Premier Wab Kinew’s “charm offensive” during the premiers’ visit to D.C. His taking the road less travelled will doubtless be criticized, yet I believe his words and demeanour can only serve to add some positive energy to these difficult negotiations.

In times of conflict, it is easy to forget the broader and deeper context between the parties and a “warm and hearty handshake” can serve as a good reminder of the ties that undergird the relationship. Though some may regard such gestures as signs of weakness, I believe it reveals much courage.

In these times of fear and negativity, I find Kinew’s comments a breath of fresh air. We need more such initiatives as an antidote to the pervading fear and anger across Canada.

It’s important to be reminded that even is this “winter of our discontent,” the humanity we share is our only hope.

Edwin Buettner

Winnipeg

Anti-rut strategy

Re: Rut-stration is mounting (Feb. 13)

Driving down the edge of rutted single-laned Lansdowne Avenue the other day (the first time in a long time) the thought crossed my mind “I really should write to the Free Press about this,” and your article’s given me the opportunity.

People, people, please — when you see ruts forming (you guys in the big trucks in particular) please drive to the left, or to the right of the nascent rutting. The snow will then be hard-packed across the entire street — fewer opportunities for bottoming-out or slipping, and less taxpayer snow-clearing costs. Downside? Can’t think of any!

Rowena Fisher

Winnipeg

Graves need proper investigation

Re: Board urged to reject Lemay Forest plans (Feb. 13)

The story reads “… 726 babies were buried at the cemetery from 1907 to 1912.”

Imagine an orphanage that had to bury more than 100 babies each year, for six years running, in the years before the Spanish Flu.

That is shocking.

Now imagine the institutional practices at an orphanage that buries more than 100 babies per year. Would it really be surprising if, as it says in the story, “burials may have taken place outside the cemetery at unclear locations”?

Certainly, development of this land should not proceed without a full historical investigation of the Asile Ritchot orphanage, leading to the identification, commemoration and mourning of the deceased, each of their burials accounted for — including burials that may have been deliberately outside the “sacred ground” of the orphanage’s cemetery, which was run by les Soeurs de Misericorde.

If this institution were operating today, it would rightly be a scandal of the highest order. That it happened more than 100 years ago should not blunt our horror as we grieve and remember these lives lost.

Greg Bak

Winnipeg

Historical perspective

Re: Russia rejoices at Trump-Putin call as Zelenskyy rejects talks without Ukraine present (Feb. 13)

History is repeating itself. Looking back to Sept. 30, 1938, this is when Czechoslovakia was dismembered because the European powers caved to Hitler under the Munich agreement.

President Donald Trump and the U.S. treat Russian President Vladimir Putin as a valued, respected partner and friend, while Ukraine and allies like Canada are tossed aside, disrespected and bullied.

In the near and long term, this state of affairs will not turn out well for the U.S. or any other Western country.

Tom Fraser

Winnipeg

Read year round

I have been a longtime English Language Arts teacher and lover of books. Over those many decades I’ve taken great pride in sharing that love with my students, especially by providing them with many books to choose from. You would think then that “I Love to Read” month would be something I also love … but it isn’t. At least not the way it is now.

To begin, if we really want to encourage our kids to be lifelong readers, why do we wait until over the half the school year is done?

Also, as a strong proponent of Black History Month, I am sad to see how it is often pushed to the backburners in February as it competes with “I Love to Read.”

The sad thing is that there is such a simple solution. Since September is such a busy month for teachers and students, why not move “I Love to Read” month to October? In that way we can be pumping up our kids for the following eight months, while at the same time leaving Black History Month without the competition it currently faces.

Syd Korsunsky

Winnipeg

Lousy ‘neighbours’

Our neighbours? Really?

Yes, I hold the American people solely and completely responsible for President Donald Trump and his actions. They had a choice and they made it. “Friends” do not stand passively by when the tyrant they elected and empowered badgers their neighbouring nation.

The rule of law is no longer in force in the United States of America as an entire nation stands passively by. Trump has already taken action to limit the scope of the U.S. constitution if it interferes with his plans.

A known demagogue whose nature and actions are a matter of public record and who swore, oh just so very recently, in an oath of office to uphold the very constitutional powers he now trammels has established himself as an undeniable dictator. He bullies and he postures and he purposefully brings on economic ruin to Canada, Mexico and whatever other sovereign nations are in his crosshairs.

The height of disdain and disrespect to Canada is shown in the wake of the Ukraine’s desperate struggle to maintain its sovereignty when Trump states that he wants to make Canada a 51st state. Therein lies the proof needed to show he has no respect for our nationhood or for our long-standing unprotected border. Where is the indignation that “friends” and “neighbours”, if they are such, should rightfully express? The silence is deafening.

John MacKinnon

Winnipeg