Letters, Sept. 13

Opinion

Tolerance and fallibilism

Re: Shooting tears a new rift in the United States (Editorial, Sept. 11

The editorial is excellent. I would like to add a point, although it is likely a subtext of the article.

There seems to be a decrease in the number of people who adhere to fallibilism. Fallibilism is the principle that all of our knowledge and beliefs are potentially incorrect and cannot be conclusively proven true. In other words, no belief is immune to error and that certainty is unattainable.

Such a person is tolerant, as she/he carries the thought “I may be wrong.”

We desperately need more tolerant people and fewer morally righteous people. It is the latter group which produces tragedies such as we saw on Sept. 10.

Kurt Clyde

Winnipeg

 

What Kirk believed

I have been seeing a lot of discussions in the media and online as to whether or not Charlie Kirk “deserved” to die the way he did on Sept. 10. I would like to provide a quote from Mr. Kirk.

On April 5, 2023, Charlie Kirk commented on gun deaths in America and was quoted as saying: “I think it’s worth it. I think it’s worth to have a cost of, unfortunately, some gun deaths every single year so that we can have the Second Amendment to protect our other God-given rights.”

In Mr. Kirk’s perspective, some people did have to die like he did for the Second Amendment. And while we won’t know his thoughts on who that should be, there’s a chance his long record of content may give us clues.

One thing is clear, and it’s that the gun lobbyists have succeeded in making gun rights more important than human lives. So, who does deserve to die in America for the Second Amendment?

Kathryn Lapenskie

Winnipeg

 

Confident in Toews

Re: Toews thrilled to be back (Sept. 12)

The remarkable comeback of Winnipeg-born Jonathan Toews to the Jets dressing room is nothing short of admirable.

Ken Wiebe’s Toews thrilled to be back paints an informative picture of his return.

At the age of 37, two full seasons out with health issues and having shown unbelievable determination to re-enter the NHL arena is nothing short of impressive.

It seems he has fully prepared himself physically to return to the extremes of NHL Hockey. A feat in itself considering the superior condition these pro athletes are in.

He’s seriously working on integrating himself back emotionally as a dedicated team member.

He comes with a wealth of knowledge and experience plus was instrumental in helping the Blackhawks win three Stanley cups and Team Canada win two Gold medals.

Toews seems genuinely interested in joining the Jets, and has recognized the talent and character on the close knit team which has, in return, shown a warm welcome for their newest team member.

As a Jets fan I’m pretty confident Toews will show his grit and determination on and off ice as he bravely attempts his NHL comeback to his home town.

It’s totally understandable he will likely need some time to showcase his full talent, especially after a two year illness related absence.

After all, considering all he’s has been through, not too many players would even consider a return to the arena.

Welcome home, Jonathan.

We look forward to supporting you on and off the ice.

Karen Zurba

Winnipeg

 

Dryden’s example

Re: Ken Dryden — a man of many talents (Editorial, Sept. 10)

Two sentences from the editorial should stand out as a model for all Canadians. One near the end being, “Dryden was a person who did the right thing for the right reasons. Not the ones that benefited him, but that benefited Canadians.”

And the linked hope of the last sentence, “Would that more Canadians, especially in the top ranks of provincial and federal politics, aspired to be like him.”

Dave Ennis

Winnipeg

 

Credit to the drivers

Although our new “improved” Transit system appears to have been designed specifically to inconvenience as many people as possible, I would like to extend kudos to the drivers.

These ladies and gentlemen have been so patient and helpful explaining things to befuddled riders — where to get off, how to get to your transfer stop, explaining where the bus is going, etc.

I’m sure they probably find it all a bit overwhelming, but they continue to deliver excellent service. At least something at Transit is working the way it should!

Heather Mousseau

Winnipeg

East St. Paul

 

A long ride

Back in the day, my bus ride was a once-a-civilized, 25-minute trip. It was filled with headphones blasting with music, daydreams, and a time to relax. Now, thanks to the construction that never seems to end, it has transformed into an hour-long adventure that tests not only my patience but also my bladder, as well as my will to live.

Dear bus ride, you have become less of a commute to university and more of an insanely slow and mind-numbing roller coaster. The bus driver drives the route, navigating through the sea of orange cones, finding detour after detour, deciphering construction signs that may as well be hieroglyphics. My fellow students shift, shuffle, and sigh, quietly planning a revolt as we inch closer to the university at the speed of a sleepy snail.

And yet even in the disarray, there is still beauty. I know the exact number of potholes on Abinojii Mikanah, the exact direction the wind blows dust into my eyes at 8 a.m., and the gift of restraint I have gained preventing me losing it when the bus stops in construction for 20 minutes. I’ve learned to appreciate the small victories regarding my commute, getting a window seat, a moment of reflection, catching the bus without looking like I ran an Iron Man in 30-plus heat.

I thank you, bus ride. You have doubled my commute, taught me how to plot a mutiny silently, and how to plan to go to the bathroom before the ride (learned that one pretty quick). But with your snail speed, dust, and sea of orange cones, I have a toxic kind of love for you. After all, who else can say that their most toxic relationship isn’t with an ex, but with Winnipeg Transit?

Grace Aprile

Winnipeg

 

Future projects

The first tranche of “nation-building” projects has been announced. These five — a couple of mines, nuclear and liquid natural gas infrastructure, a container terminal — one supposes are important projects.

All “nation-building” projects are important projects but not all important projects are nation-building, a distinction that Ottawa seems to have missed. How the approval of a couple of mines will help build a nation I fail to see. No doubt the home provinces for these first five are happy and I guess cordial federal-provincial relations is a useful collateral benefit.

Let’s hope that a national power grid, revamping the regional water infrastructure on the prairies, and rebuilding the rail line to Churchill (without which expansion of the port will be useless) will show up on future project lists.

Norman Brandson

Winnipeg