And the Quebec Liberal Party must earn back the trust of the anglophone community.
I proudly and respectfully attended the Remembrance Day ceremony at Place du Canada on Nov. 11. It is always great to see the crowd that turns out. It is a wonderful mix of young and old, new Canadians and servicemen and women.
However, I am always frustrated by the service in Montreal. One issue is the sound system: It seems inadequate. This year I was situated at the end of the park, near René-Lévesque Blvd., and it was difficult to follow the proceedings.
It is important for the people who have gathered to pay their respects to the guardians of our democracy and to participate in the ceremony. Without knowing what is going on, they are reduced to standing by respectfully but unclear as to the direction of the ceremony. At the very least, a better sound system should be installed next year.
Mary-Jean Henderson, St-Hubert
Uber clients’ wishes deserve respect
Whether a business is conducted in an office downtown, from home or in a car, clients are to be respected. Business Etiquette 101.
Any Uber driver who thinks francophone clients should not be accommodated says more about them — something they should probably be ashamed of.
Iris Shestowsky, Montreal
By hurting one, we diminish all
I can’t help but feel profoundly disheartened by the persistent hate that divides our world. Why do we continue to see each other as “other” rather than as brothers and sisters, members of a shared human family?
Throughout history, we’ve suffered from prejudices, each one trying to build walls where we should be laying bridges. How do we keep finding ways to categorize and judge one another, despite all the progress we claim to have made?
From antisemitism to racism, and from xenophobia to religious discrimination, hate keeps adapting itself, thriving wherever fear and misunderstanding are allowed to fester.
What will it take for us to see each other as simply human? When did compassion become so conditional? If only we could look at one another and recognize shared dreams, struggles and values, perhaps we could understand that by hurting one, we diminish all. Why can’t we remember that each of us could be anyone else, given different circumstances?
Tom Mulcair rightly reminds us that we must call antisemitism by its name, confronting it with honesty and zero tolerance. Antisemitism isn’t just a threat to one group; it’s a blight on our shared humanity. By acknowledging and resisting this ancient hate, we take a stand not only against discrimination but also for the unity that could allow us all to move forward — together, as one.
Let us challenge the divisions among us with the same clarity Mulcair calls for, recognizing that true strength lies in embracing each other as kin.
Lindi Ross, Carignan
Liberals must earn our trust
The provincial Liberals are proposing a draft Quebec constitution, saying they will entrench and stand up for anglophone rights.
I’ve got to ask: Who trusts them?
Despite the support of the English-speaking community in good times and in bad, it seems the Liberals have long treated us like a mistress: They say they love us and need us, but often act like they don’t care about us.
I don’t expect the promise of a Quebec constitution will change anything. Speaking up for us might.
Adam Lyne, Bois-des-Filion
Differences in driving culture
After a year of visiting Edmonton six times, each for two to three weeks, I noticed a significant difference in drivers and pedestrians there compared with here.
For one thing, people hardly jaywalk. A red signal means don’t cross, even if there is enough time without causing drivers to slow down. If there is a crosswalk a short distance away, pedestrians take the little detour rather than try to save a few minutes by crossing where they’re not supposed to.
But the most significant difference I saw in residential areas is that when a pedestrian approaches the sidewalk curb, drivers stop a safe distance away. My wife and I had to learn not to stand close to a curb and talk, as traffic would come to a halt. Better to stand at least a metre away from the curb if you don’t want to stop traffic in Edmonton.
Here, we see motorists driving through crosswalks unless we have set foot on the street, if they stop at all.
Another risk for pedestrians, in my experience, are cyclists in the suburbs. Even when I am in the middle of the street, I’ve had cyclists whiz by, forcing me to stop. It’s like they don’t want to lose momentum. This has happened even at intersections with four-way stops.
I would like to see police do more to stop and fine spandex-clad cyclists who behave like amateur Tour de France racers.
Ragnar Radtke, Beaconsfield
Spending time with friends affirms our humanity
I’m sure the column by Alice Lukacs on the importance of friends as we age has resonated with many readers.
A daily telephone call or text message, or the sharing of a cup of tea with someone who cares — these are gifts and an affirmation of our humanity.
Exchanging ideas on subjects like gardening, music, travels or books allows us to expand our horizons.
Listening to someone’s health concerns or views on political issues reminds us that we are not isolated in our thinking.
Indeed, conversations with friends are a balm for the soul.
Vivianne M. Silver, Côte-St-Luc
Americans must show vigilance
I’m troubled by Donald Trump’s election. Among other things, he has spoken of his political opponents and critical media as the “enemy from within,” accused undocumented immigrants of “poisoning the blood of our country” and called for the “termination” of the U.S. Constitution.
And now that the Republican Party has gained control of the Senate and probably the House of Representatives, and with the Supreme Court cementing Trump’s immunity from prosecution, he may be able to give full vent to his dictatorial and repressive tendencies.
One hopes that the American people, even those who voted for Trump, will be vigilant and oppose any such anti-democratic development.
Robert Hajaly, Montreal
Freedom hits troubled waters
Perhaps the time has come for the United States to return the Statue of Liberty to France.
Anda Kajaks, Pointe-Claire
Time to act on traffic lights
Once again, a family is left mourning the tragic and untimely death of their child as the result of being struck by a vehicle.
Again, neighbourhood residents, myself included this time, are left shaken and wondering what it will take to make a busy thoroughfare safe for pedestrians.
The accident at Parc and Bernard Aves. happened at a corner busy with people of all ages, including children on foot and mothers with strollers.
In my view, the traffic lights there are a problem. There’s an initial advance signal phase for pedestrians. Then, vehicles are permitted to turn at the same time as pedestrians continue to cross on the green light. I don’t think this should ever be the case.
I’m sure countless studies have been done to find ways of improving pedestrian safety. Parc Ave., the scene of many accidents over the years, has long been a concern. It’s time for action. Pedestrians should be able to cross our streets without fear of being hit by a vehicle.
Goldie Olszynko, Mile End
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