The perils of irony

Re: Full Pundit, Chris Selley, June 27.

Chris Selley’s comment that if edmonton had experienced a disastrous flood such as the one from which Calgary is now recovering, Alberta’s capital city would be “a smoking hole in the ground at this point, infested with twitchy-eyed, machete-wielding savages,” is an example of totally irresponsible journalism. I am not amused.

The National Post has insulted my city and insulted me. edmontonians and Calgarians may be adversaries on the hockey rink and on the football field, but otherwise we are all Albertans in two fine cities who share each other’s triumphs and tragedies.

edmonton has been generous not only in prayers for Calgarians and others affected by the massive flooding in southern Alberta, but in donations of hundreds of thousands of dollars from corporations and citizens. In the past few days I have heard prayers from the pulpit, and attended a musical performance in which the hat was passed for financial relief of Calgarians. In minutes, $1,070 was contributed, not much in terms of the cost of flooding damage, but it all adds up and supports agencies such as the red Cross in tireless efforts to help Calgarians.

Normally I enjoy reading the Post over breakfast. On Thursday, you have left a bad taste in my mouth.

John Chalmers, Edmonton.

Editor’s note: Chris Selley’s comment was made in jest. It was meant to gently make light of the Calgary Herald editorial board’s characterization of “southern Alberta.”