Anti-Trump protests a waste of time and energy Sir: Though I empathize with the #NotMyPresident movement and the street protests against the U.S.
Anti-Trump protests a waste of time and energy
Sir: Though I empathize with the #NotMyPresident movement and the street protests against the U.S. election result, the institutions we depend on governing our countries rely on our acceptance of the democratic process.
This week, the majority of votes pooled in President-Elect Donald Trump’s favour; meaning a significant portion of the population supported him. Those votes must be respected, just like those of any other citizen. Everyone that participated trusted the system, and, in turn, should accept its outcome.
However, their engagement post-election should be put towards something productive – holding the new president accountable by way of their Representatives in Congress and the Senate. Their opinions matter to them in order that they may be re-elected. We hold power through them, more so than we ever will on the streets.
Generations of activists fought for the democracy we take for granted today and it’s a shame most of us are ill-informed on what powers we possess, that we are willing to condemn it because of one election.
Our prosperity as well as that of our families, communities, and countries depends on the institution of democracy, and upholding this institution and the governments we condemn today will lead to the governments and prosperous future we wish to see for our children and country tomorrow.
Yasmeen Ibrahim
A Sarnian attending the University of Ottawa.
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Indian Road repairs wearing out my car
Sir: Can anyone at Lambton County council explain the state of the repaving of Indian Road?
It has been over one month now since it was ripped up and it is still far from completion. As I live directly on the area that is torn up, I am forced to drive this rubble pile daily to and from work.
Unfortunately, my car is not a four-wheel drive off-road vehicle or large truck, but simply a modest sedan. The wear and tear on my poor car is quite unfortunate.
From my recent travels to Japan, I have actually witnessed roadwork that was completed in a timely manner. It is truly possible.
Will this work be completed in 2016 or are we waiting for a new budget to come through?
Kind regards,
Mark Nicholson
Sarnia
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Taxes on Poppy Fund donations shocking
Sir: I was shocked to see in the Nov. 3 edition on page 12 a financial statement from the Royal Canadian Legion, Branch 62, showing the Poppy Fund had to pay $2,285.83 in HST Tax, but only got an HST & Gas Credit of $1,586.80.
That’s a difference of $699.03 that could have helped even more people with those donations.
I think that all registered charities should be tax-free.
Alan Palmer
Sarnia
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This year’s Sting an entertaining team
Sir: If you’ve made it to a Sarnia Sting game this year you’ve got to be satisfied with the team.
It looks to be putting itself in great shape for the playoffs, with puck moving and ambition the chief strengths.
I’d like to see them shoot more and hit the target more often, but they just keep winning.
Goaltender Justin Fazio is stopping a lot of pucks, which is good thing because the Sting do give up a lot of chances.
The veterans are starting to lead, and fellow Sarnian Franco Sproviero is showing he has talent. While called upon to kill penalties he’s also finding the back of the net.
I’d still like to see Jakob Chychrun returned from the NHL, but dreams never die.
Sarnian should come out and cheer on these guys. They’re the best entertainment in town.
Cam Ross
Sarnia
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Council sanctions didn’t get it right
Sir: To paraphrase Coun. Mike Kelch at the Oct. 24 council meeting.
“We have a report before us on the actions of the mayor, which requires our response. We are not very good at this. We have never done it before.”
It appears that council tried to use surgery to remove a sliver.
Some things should be considered. Mike Bradley is our elected mayor; he is not a physical threat to anyone. His Irish temperament and his dedication to the city got him in trouble.
Some members of council supported the work of the mayor; some appeared to be vindictive and only tried to come up with more sanctions. Just when you thought they were done, a new idea came forth.
Would it not have been possible to penalize the mayor with the loss of one month of salary and have him remain in his City Hall office? Appoint an independent panel (of two or three) that would receive any complaint regarding the actions of the mayor. Reports from this panel might require further council action.
Bill Scott
Sarnia
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Two bees or not two bees
Sir: A friend is a friend through thick and thin, warts and all. One who remains loyal unconditionally. One such person is Coun. Dave Boushy in his steadfast loyalty to embattled Mayor Mike Bradley.
Sarnia has a hive consisting of three queen bees, two workers bees and two drones. Not a very healthy beehive.
Most people know you can only have one queen bee to a hive. A queen bee is the most important bee in the hive, but she is not the boss.
The queen bees here have been too intent on dreaming up new sanctions to sting the beekeeper and immobilize him. They seem set on milking this issue to the very last drop.
A lot of respect has been lost for this council.
D. Sullivan
Sarnia
