Agree or disagree — just do it with respect and civility

I see that Robin Short, Telegram columnist, is still smarting over the thrashing he received for his negative commentary on Newfoundlanders singing and dancing at Pearson International Airport while awaiting a flight home last December. “Made us all look like hillbillies” he opined in his June 02, Telegram article. It’s interesting that he recalls “Aunt Martha’s Sheep” while I recall the highly soothing “Saltwater Joys.”

Robin felt personally slighted and, perhaps, would be more comfortable and culturally satisfied had these merry travellers hauled out a keyboard and violins (not fiddles) and played a Mozart sonata?

But Robin is entitled to his opinion. He is also quite correct in his criticism that anonymous commentators should contain their threats and venom. It’s distasteful, mean and dare I say it ... very hillbilly like.

I would personally be ashamed to be associated with such Newfoundlanders. And speaking of such I wince, like Robin did, every time I hear the sobriquet “Newfie.”

I feel it demeans us. Many, however, feel it does not and is in fact a term of endearment. They are certainly entitled to their opinion. Any who agree or disagree should do so with respect and civility.

Constraining dissent only serves to breathe political correctness and self-censorship. It curtails discussion and dumbs us all down.