READERS WRITE

LETTERS WELCOME, 250-word maximum, full name required. Send to letters@thespec.com

Community goodness and caring is out there

Late afternoon on Oct. 7, a pedestrian was hit by a car crossing the street at Locke and Charlton. Jaimie Reid of Picks and Sticks witnessed the collision and stayed. The driver stopped, called 911 and provided a blanket. Three nurses in the gathering crowd identified themselves and helped until emergency services arrived. Jaimie directed traffic. It was amazing how people responded.

I was the person who got hit. I have no memory of just before or the accident itself. I woke up Thursday morning in the trauma unit of the General Hospital with my brother there (Jaimie Reid called him about my accident). I just want to say think you to the three nurses, Jaimie Reid and EMS services for all that was done for me. You put me in a positive “healing” mindset. I have met people on Locke street since then, and the comment is “Oh, was that you? ... How are you doing?” Many people have reached out in many ways.

I want people to know that with despite all the depressing news out there that there is community, goodness and caring.

Gillian Webster, Hamilton

What about Long and Bisby wood lot?

Re: Long and Bisby building gets a new life (Oct. 16)

It was very encouraging to hear the building has been given a reprieve. There has been no mention of what is planned for the beautiful surrounding wood lot. That space is of equal concern.

Bob Whyte, Hamilton

Trudeau is hanging on to the past

As we enter a second wave of COVID-19, Canada’s unemployment rate is still hovering near 11 per cent. In oil-dependent cities like Calgary, the unemployment rate stands closer to 15 per cent.

Right now, we are being confronted with world-shifting decisions that will determine not only how we navigate COVID-19, but how we weather the overlapping crises of climate change, a weak social safety net and a cratering oil and gas industry. But, instead of investing in the economy of tomorrow, Trudeau is desperately hanging onto the past, pouring tens of billions of public dollars into the Trans Mountain pipeline. Alberta communities deserve better than false pipeline promises. We deserve strong public services, good unionized jobs and an economy that gives us a shot at a livable future.

Alison Pipe, Hamilton

Stop investing in pipelines

It’s been more than 460 days since Justin Trudeau declared a climate emergency one day, and then approved the Trans Mountain pipeline the next day. In that time, we’ve seen no new action on climate change, and watched as this government has committed more and more money to the Trans Mountain pipeline, a project that makes it impossible for Canada to meet our climate commitments. We’re in the midst of two crises, a pandemic and the climate crisis, and we can’t afford to hand money over to pipelines when people need it. It’s time to defund Trans Mountain and put that money to a made-in-Canada Green New Deal that creates millions of good jobs, meets the climate crisis and supports every single community in Canada. Craig Beattie, Hamilton

Air quality key to gym patron protection

Public health is walking a fine line between crippling commerce with shutdowns and the safety of individuals. Instead of trying to interpret confusing rules created by a government that is trying to stretch the truth in every direction ... use your head! On what planet is it safe for a bunch of people to cycle to the point of sweating profusely without a mask, in a 100-year-old building that most likely has a sketchy HVAC system?

As it gets colder it will get far worse as cold weather ventilation comes with a super high energy cost assuming the ability even exists to provide proper fresh air and exhaust at the location. I believe public health got it wrong with gymnasiums. They should have high ceilings, like a supermarket, and verified air quality even if it requires a ventilation upgrade. More than just comfort is at stake now.

John Anderson, Hamilton

Don’t fight Trump’s bully battles

Fighting a Trump-made mess with China is ridiculous. There are many other real items to fight China on, but Trump’s bullying mess is certainly not one.

Sheena Hudson, Hamilton

Health care? What health care?

It has now been more than five weeks since I first contacted health services regarding a sudden and dramatic loss of hearing in my left ear. Incredibly, until yesterday when I was forced to visit emergency (but without any resolution or treatment), I had not been examined by a doctor in that time. (It should be noted that acute hearing loss lasting more than two weeks is a red flag for certain conditions that can result in permanent hearing loss if not dealt with immediately.)

Initially, my family doctor, despite being gloved, gowned, masked and face shielded, refused to physically examine me!

I have since been referred to a specialist who has neither contacted me nor replied to several phone calls. I was given a hearing test at a clinic which then tried to sell me a hearing aid for an obviously acute disease condition. COVID has been routinely cited in all my encounters with the health profession in defending their almost complete cessation of services. I shudder to think about those seeking care for more serious ailments.

Basic medical science would suggest that my condition — an inner ear infection, likely viral — requires the use of steroids. The time sensitivity of such infections are medically well attested, and yet I am completely unable to access treatment. Quite simply, “there’s nobody home.”

Health care in the age of COVID in Ontario? What health care?

Antony C. Black, Hamilton