VOICE OF THE PEOPLE

A CALL TO MEN

I just read the front page article (“MP Zann victim of hate calls, messages,” July 7) by Harry Sullivan describing the horrible threats Lenore Zann has been receiving from men for being a woman with the courage to speak out with a feminist perspective on issues of equal rights for all, including women who are victims of domestic violence.

As a man, I say to my brothers that such threats are absolutely not acceptable behaviour. As men, we must challenge each other to a higher standard. We must find the courage to challenge male domination and sexism, whether in overt or subtle threats, lockerroom jokes, abusive language or action. We must work with our brothers, our male relatives, often our fathers and sons, sometimes even our friends, to stop the world being unsafe for women, including those who speak out even when we do not agree. It is never “manly” to threaten the security of another person.

This is not at all a partisan issue. It is an issue for all humans and we, as men, must find our voice and courage to speak out.

Thanks, Lenore Zann, for going public on this issue. As men, we must now show we oppose such threats from our brothers.

Wilf Bean, Tatamagouche

LAME EXCUSE

Bradley Mclellan’s statement to Saltwire says it all, “The whole issue started with Lenore because she was ignoring well-worded, very calm, direct inquiries.”

We’ve all heard that apology before — “I’m sorry, but she made me do it.”

Sandra Moore, Dartmouth

FRIENDLY OFFICERS

On July 4, I was in the playground at Inglis School in Halifax, having a picnic with my family and playing with my grandchildren. My wife and I are from Moncton, so this was our first Halifax family outing in several months, made possible by the Atlantic bubble.

At one point, my two grandchildren (a boy, three, and girl, five) and I were approached by two uniformed police officers. They spoke to us in a friendly manner and asked a few questions. I’m not sure why, but my two grandchildren stood at attention and answered their questions, then the children introduced themselves. The officers reciprocated. It was a learning moment, for sure.

These days, with so many nasty stories in the news, I was pleasantly surprised by their demeanor. I have no idea what the officers were looking for but my faith was strengthened. I want to thank officers John and Leo for their sensible and friendly approach.

John Harvie, Moncton

APPALLED BY FIRING

I am absolutely appalled at the Nova Scotia College of Art and Design’s board of directors’ decision to recently fire NSCAD president Aoife Macnamara.

The manner in which it was done demonstrates yellow cowardice, and makes me red with anger. Having spoken with a number of new (green?) graduates, I gather I am not alone. Rumour has it that one of the reasons was Dr. Macnamara’s support of diversity, inclusion and, specifically, “Black Lives Matter.”

It’s time for us all to stand up and show our true colours.

Mary C. Holt, Chester

MYSTIFIED BY ANGER

With all due respect to Senator Wanda Thomas Bernard, and I am in full accord with her that “Black Lives Matter,” I do not understand why she should be enraged over someone else saying, “All Lives Matter.” And beyond that, free speech also matters.

As long as it is not racist or hurtful, why should others with similar positions as to the value of life be demonized for their opinion? John Bassett, Halifax

FLAWED ARGUMENT

I must take some issue with Pamela Baker’s op-ed piece (“Don’t misunderstand what police defunding means,” July 7).

She makes a very good point about the increasing responsibilities faced by both school teachers and police in today’s society. They are expected to deal with social issues outside what we would consider their primary or traditional roles. These issues would more appropriately be handled by mental health/social workers.

Hopefully, the question of “defunding” the police, except to some extreme radicals, refers to redirecting financial support from police to these other resources. I suspect most police would gladly relinquish these roles and prefer to concentrate on dealing with more criminal matters.

The flaw in this idea is that, in these situations, the people requiring intervention are often irrational and, regrettably, sometimes violent. Mental health/social workers may be trained to handle the irrationality, but they are not equipped to deal with the violence. Almost certainly, they would request police protection. The first time a social worker is injured, the police would be blamed for not intervening and, of course, if the subject were injured, the police would be blamed for excessive force.

The comment about lack of police training requires a response. Teachers do indeed have four or five years of post-secondary education, the B.ED part of which has weeks of practical training. Recruits to the RCMP have equally onerous educational requirements. They are required to have at least an undergraduate degree. Some lawyers even join! This is followed by six months of “boot camp” in Regina, where recruits are exposed to the many and complex facets of modern policing.

Robert W C Jack, Halifax

TOO NEGATIVE

If it takes a full article to explain a motto, then it is not a useful motto.

“Defund the police” is a negative phrase. It is misleading, inflammatory and, obviously, unclear. How about a positive phrase like “Fund social programs” or “More money for justice” or anything at all that is clear and uncontroversial?

I will not get behind a negative phrase however much people may try to explain it. Do better, folks! L. Light Truro

PRACTICE UNSAFE

It’s upsetting to learn Air Canada and Westjet are going to be flying full planes, an obvious money grab, and refusing to refund cancelled flights during COVID-19. The CDC and NIH have both said doing so endangers people’s lives because of the close proximity.

The airlines are rationalizing, using a lame excuse the air is filtered. This statement is insulting, as a critically thinking Canadian citizen, after what we have been told by experts. We need to hear from our national and provincial leadership ASAP that this is not safe practice. Aren’t we learning anything?

Marcia Sanford, Clementsvale