Anti-intellectual trend in U.S. is very scary
Re America’s shocking two schools of thought:
Delacourt, July 15 I much appreciated Susan Delacourt’s column on the disdain for higher education among many Republican-leaning Americans.
It’s not just shocking but very, very scary!
Does Donald Trump’s desire to make America great again involve turning back the clock to the ignorance of the Middle Ages?
It is said that a democracy can function only among a well-informed citizenry. Trump and his assistants would, I suspect, prefer that the American electorate be kept in the dark around their plans and actions.
For when truth and facts are supplanted by ideology and lies, which can also be propagated under the guise of “freedom of speech,” democratic government can be subverted and replaced by autocracy and dictatorship.
Like Ms. Delacourt points out, I too hope that the anti-intellectual trend doesn’t move north.
In this, I am encouraged by our own government’s moves to strengthen ties, economic and otherwise, with Europe where, I think, the philosophy of the enlightenment is firmly entrenched, despite the recent threats of right-wing populism.
Even when Trump is finally gone, however, it may take some time to reverse the frightening trends south of our border. Cliff Allan, Belleville
Monkey selfie a delight
Re ‘Monkey selfie’ suit goes back to court, July 13 The question as to whether an animal can own the copyright to a photograph is a fascinating one and I wish Naruto the macaque and his legal team success in pursuing their claim.
Although most selfies are eminently forgettable, it must be said that Naruto has taken a simply fabulous photograph of himself.
It was a delight to come across the picture as I made my way through the Toronto Star. Nigel Russell, Toronto