Responding to column writer’s comments

LETTERS

I wish to take exception to comments made by Dylan Purcell in his article “If the shoe fits” (Good Sport, Dec. 26). First of all I feel that anyone who makes the statement that a politician ignores “all his campaign promises” is falling for a popular cliché when writing about someone who is, in his opinion, of the wrong political stripe, and should not be taken seriously.

I would not dispute that aboriginal peoples who have been conquered or overrun by a more advanced invader end up suffering the consequences. It has happened countless times in history and continues to this day. However, to say that Tecumseh “won the War of 1812 for ... Canada” overlooks the fact that the war in question was waged between Great Britain and the United States at a time when Canada wasn’t even a sovereign state.

Perhaps Mr. Purcell has heard of Major General Sir Isaac Brock, who died at the Battle of Queenston Heights, along with combatants on both sides, while in command of British soldiers, Canadian militia and Mohawk warriors defending a British colony against an invader. Historians generally agree that neither side really won the war in question, battles and skirmishes having been won by both sides, but that it did prevent any part of Canada becoming part of the United States. Certainly Tecumseh, who was Shawnee, and his Indian irregulars did play a part, but they did not win a war that is generally considered indecisive.

Finally, I do take exception to anyone describing a prime minister of Canada (or any other elected politician) as a “smarmy fool” just because he likes people, interacts well with them and is happy to pose for a photo at their request. What should he do, brush them aside and walk away with his nose in the air?

I would suggest the writer stick to sport or topics he knows something about, and not make sweeping statements that are inaccurate or politically biased.

Geoff Bradshaw

Lethbridge