LETTERS TO THE EDITOR
Remembering the city hall of the ’60s Re: Green Island a city microcosm, Aug. 19.
Bruce Deachman’s description of the “elegant marble spiral staircase” reminds me of my only visit to the “old” city hall in the early 1960s.
My teenage daughter and I were going up that fine stairway to a reception in one of the upper rooms when the long necklace she was wearing snagged on the handrail and broke. A tinkling shower of coloured glass beads rained down on startled people below, some of whom tried to catch them until we all realized the futility of such an exercise! Embarrassed, we murmured our thanks; Mary sadly stuffed the remaining string in her pocket, and we went on our way.
I know that Ottawa was quite proud of the original building, but not so much after those “controversial additions.” N. Ann Smith, Ottawa
Sens captain looks a lot like Lionheart Re: Karlsson in town and he’s bigger than ever, Aug. 19.
That was a great picture of Erik Karlsson in the Citizen’s Wednesday edition. Has anyone else noticed his uncanny resemblance to the 12-century king Richard the Lionheart? Perhaps a new nickname for our Ottawa Senators captain? John Ausman, Ottawa
PM’s choice ignores democratic process Re: Oh, Mr. Harper, how we misjudged you, Aug. 19.
Andrew Coyne’s column was one of his best. Our prime minister could have avoided the Sen. Mike Duffy scandal if only he had more respect for the democratic process, thereby appointing staff and senators of sound character. Stephen Harper’s coverup has made taxpayers poorer and more cynical. Perhaps this is why we need an 11-week campaign. E.M. Grant, Brockville
Enough Duffy trial — give us real issues Re: Duffy trial awaits PM’s lawyer, Aug. 20.
Why are the media wasting so much time on the Mike Duffy trial and trying to relate it to the election campaign? The incidents happened, people took actions which they considered appropriate at the time, and now the justice system is attempting to sort it out. I find it a minor distraction compared to the many issues which should be tackled in the current campaign.
Where are the questions to the candidates about the state of the Armed Forces; concerning manning levels, equipment purchases and readiness to meet our national and international commitments? Where are the questions about federalprovincial relations, which seem to be at an all-time low? Where are the questions about international relations and commitments? Where are the questions about domestic policies and international trade? To quote an ad campaign from long ago, “Where’s the beef?” Doug Sinclair, Stittsville
Wright’s ‘alms’
If Nigel Wright, the good Anglican, has given $90,000 to the dubious one-man charity Mike Duffy, and referred to the gesture as “alms,” I trust he has distributed commensurate amounts to the millions of people in need, from Syrian refugees to Ottawa’s homeless and hungry.
Except ... he doesn’t seem completely broke just yet. So, I guess he’s still sanctimoniously bending God’s word to fit Prime Minister Stephen Harper’s, instead of embracing the true message of the Gospel: Blessed are the poor (and, no that doesn’t mean you, Duff ). Jenny Green, Ottawa
A Senate by lottery
News stories about the Senate suggest our elected leaders have not always made wise choices when appointing senators. Watching elected representatives in the House of Commons, it seems voters do not always make wiser ones. A conversation with two Ottawa citizens inspired a way to resolve this problem with a bias-free selection method: a Senate composed of citizens, selected for a single, four-year term by lottery.
To be eligible, citizens must vote in all municipal, provincial and federal elections for four years. Employers would provide unpaid leave so that selected citizens could return after their Senate experience. Imagine how the look of Senate might change. Imagine the diverse knowledge and skills citizen senators would bring to the Senate. Imagine the experience and knowledge they would take back to their jobs and communities after four years of active citizenship. We might all win. M.I. Waller, Hudson, Que.