LETTERS TO THE EDITOR
Never having to say they’re sorry
Re: “Liseé won’t apologize for tweet” (Montreal Gazette, Sept. 19)
Here we go again. Another public figure who refuses to apologize.
From Parti Québecois leadership hopeful Jean-François Lisée to U.S. Olympic swimmer Ryan Lochte’s non-apology apology for his behaviour in Rio, to the current U.S. presidential candidates, we are bombarded with public figures refusing to issue an apology when it’s crystal clear that one is indicated.
The most egregious are Donald Trump and Hillary Clinton. On the website PolitiFact, 53 per cent of Trump’s statements that were checked were rated as “false” or “pants on fire” compared with 13 per cent for Clinton. And yet apologies seldom leave their lips.
The fear of appearing vulnerable while making an apology only makes public figures appear even more so and insecure when they refuse. Barry Beloff, Montreal
Vigilant parent deserves our thanks
Re: “Parent foils alleged murder plot: SQ” (Montreal Gazette, Sept. 19) I am in awe of this parent, who deserves credit and much appreciation from all of us for her courage and selflessness.
This is how all parents need to act to protect all kids. Diane Demers Godin, Pierrefonds
A no-cost path to bicycle safety
Re: “Vision Zero plan calls for lower speed limits” (Montreal Gazette, Sept. 15) Mayor Denis Coderre’s plan to increase safety for all road users is a worthwhile and timely initiative. Hopefully, city hall will follow through on it. With our population outgrowing our infrastructure, ever-increasing congestion will inevitably result in more accidents as cars, trucks, cyclists and pedestrians compete for space.
Some of the planned measures should yield results. Photo radar is one. Many motorists won’t slow down out of any real desire to be safer. They’re more careful, however, when they risk getting nailed with a fine. Areas clearly indicated with photo radar are noticeably more civilized.
Other ideas would be to replace some notoriously dangerous intersections with traffic circles where possible, and for the trucking industry to put better trained, less complacent drivers in vehicles designed to offer better mirrors and visibility.
Unlike many European cities, our culture has affirmed the automobile as king. Bicycles and bike travel have always been taken less seriously. Our thinking is slowly changing, but bicycle-friendly Amsterdam we are not.
The biggest potential improvements toward universal traffic harmony do not cost money — these being patience, civility and understanding. If only there were a way to instil these simple qualities in every person, our traffic and safety concerns would all but evaporate. Russell Barker, Kirkland
A welcome addition to coverage of arts
Re: “Meet new arts columnist Kevin Tierney” (Lucinda Chodan, Sept. 17). “In a city like ours, talking about arts and culture matters” (Kevin Tierney, Sept. 17) Bravo, bravo to the Montreal Gazette for its new arts and culture column. Something else to look forward to in Saturday’s Gazette, and a warm welcome from this reader to Kevin Tierney, whose style of writing I already like after reading his introductory column. Selma Menezes, Côte-St-Luc