Letters, Aug. 31: ‘Nenshi’s suggestion to delay vote all politics’

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No stalling

Naheed Nenshi’s suggestion we postpone the referendums is irresponsible. He is attempting to gain personal leverage before it’s too late. He knows most Albertans will reject separation. At that point he will lose any remaining talking points against Danielle Smith. So, no, we should not fulfil Nenshi’s political desires. Albertans have the right to have their say and get this over with. Have the referendum and let’s move on. We cannot have perpetual uncertainty. We need the stability the results will bring. Time to hold the vote and move ahead with what the majority decides. Nenshi’s proposal is selfish and only delays the inevitable. Only he needs this delay for personal gain. Alberta needs the matter closed to move on to other pressing issues like U.S. tariffs, jobs and our economy. Enough of this nonsense, Naheed. Let’s work together for Alberta.

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ELAINE BURNS

(Sounds like that’s what the premier’s plan is)

Shameful

Some bizarre crap coming out of the CBC and the mouth of (Prime Minister Mark) Carney. CBC put out a memo stating the network must stop referring to 9/11 as a terrorist attack. Secondly, Carney compared trade negotiations with going to war? This kind of garbage from public-funded broadcasters and the prime minister is disgusting. Canadians and Americans died on 9/11 and in the years since, due to terrorist scum, and our veterans, serving and fallen, actually saw the horrors of war in the service of Canada. Why not (spit) on their graves, Carney, that’s your style as a Liberal. With the exception of a few Liberal MPs who served, none of you would have the guts to sign up and serve in the Canadian forces. I have many friends who are veterans. They are the finest examples of what Canada stands for. If some people disagree with me, feel free to unfriend me. If you’re a Liberal supporter and agree with the CBC or Carney on this, hang your heads in shame.

MURRAY MARSHALL

(Some misguided stuff, for sure)

Contrived situation

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I am wondering about the current trade war with the U.S. against Canada and Mexico. Is this contrived between the governing parties as a means of collecting more income for their coffers? Much of the populace is in agreement with the tariffs where they would not agree with income tax increases. The government is the only winner with the collecting of tariffs. As Ronald Reagan mentioned, the scariest words are, ‘I am from the government and I am here to help.’

DENNIS DURKSEN

(Politics, unfortunately, plays a role)

What’s in a name?

So because President Trump is upset at Canada because of the failure of the recent trade talks, he decided to throw a little tantrum and issue an executive order renaming Lake Ontario to Lake America. Is he aware, or is any of his immediate staff aware, that Lake Ontario was not named after the province of Ontario, rather the province was named after the lake, the name of which has Indigenous Iroquois roots? So, not only has President Trump insulted the residents of Ontario and the rest of Canada (not that any of us really give a damn), he has now insulted the local Indigenous people who have lived along the shores of Lake Ontario for a millennia. And, by the way, a quick Google search reveals there are 12 places in the U.S. named Ontario. So will 12 more executive orders be forthcoming? Just got to eradicate that name, ya know. And what’s next? Declare Iran to be a U.S. territory? And so the madness continues.

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BOB GRUNDIE

(Don’t think Trump has thought that deeply about it)

Shut it down

I think we should shut down the oil going south like the premier of Ontario wants to support the trade war with the U.S. The eastern provinces have been very helpful and sympathetic with Alberta’s differences with Ottawa. Too sarcastic?

K. BEDIER

(You had us there for a minute)

Straight talk from Smith

I’m having difficulty comprehending the statements made by so many people declaring Premier Danielle Smith to be a separatist, pushing her agenda to have Alberta leave. All she has ever said, a great many times, is that she will vote for Alberta to remain within Canada. She has never stated her desire to see Alberta leave Confederation, to be a 51st state or an independent country. She wants Alberta to have more autonomy to make our own decisions benefitting Albertans. That is as far from separation as you can get. So, I find it dumbfounding so many Albertans, including Jason Kenney, Rachel Notley, the heads of organized labour, the First Nations chiefs, and various journalists on behalf of our assorted mainstream media continue to shout like Chicken Littles that Smith is trying to destroy us all. Naheed Nenshi I get, as he’s desperate to say anything to tear her down in public opinion, but the rest baffle me. Danielle has always preferred to give the people a voice, harkening back to her radio show days. She is still committed to allowing the people of Alberta the opportunity, and the right, to voice their opinions. The referendum on Oct. 19 is just that opportunity. I applaud her for staying true to her convictions.

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KEN PELLAND

(She is leader of a political party and to some across the aisle that makes her the enemy)

You made your bed…

Now that the deal has not been signed, Quebec and Ontario are finding out what it is like to be screwed like they have been doing to Alberta for the last 12 years. Look how quick they are to start whining about it, too. If only they would realize it is their own fault for continually voting in Liberal governments. Had we built the Energy East and Northern Gateway pipelines, we wouldn’t have to rely so heavily on the U.S. Alas there was no business case for it.

JOHN FRY

(Some chickens coming home to roost?)

Petulant outbursts

(Re: ‘Don’t blame Poilievre for doing his job,’ Editorial, Aug. 27) Why didn’t the editorial put a name on it? (PM Mark) Carney and (Ontario Premier Doug) Ford are willing to commit economic suicide to bolster their favourability numbers. They’re playing politics while Canada burns, and the two premiers and the Leader of the Opposition who are trying to put out the fire are excoriated and vilified by short-sighted Canadians. Canadians are hurting and will suffer from these petulant child-like outbursts of emotion. What really annoys me is a lot of these same Canadians who four years ago after the claims of murder at a Kamloops Residential School were shouting down Canada. Canada was guilty of genocide, systemic racism, a colonial state and deserved to fail. They tore down the statue of one of the first anti-American politicians, John A. Macdonald, who rallied Canadian patriotism to oppose the then-Liberal Party’s policy of closer integration with the U.S.

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JEFFREY ANDERSON

(Poilievre wants to see some details, and he’s not alone)

Keeping our distance

(Re: ‘Ontario premier wants Canada to withhold oil exports to the U.S. Here’s what that would mean,’ calgarysun.com) Premier Ford does not represent the interests or views of Albertans. Presently, Premier Smith and the UCP government maintain a strong rapport with the Trump administration, and we do not want that relationship compromised by anti-American rhetoric from the premier of Ontario. It would be wise for Alberta to keep the healthy distance from Doug Ford and that he focuses on his own jurisdiction.

DONALD K. MUNROE, Three Hills

(Ford’s style has drawn a mixed reaction)

Dolly Parton Day

The passing of Dolly Parton has left the world a sadder place. A talented singer and songwriter, and a really decent person. I would propose Sept. 25 be named Dolly Parton Day. Why that day? Well, it is 9/25 or you might say 9-to-5.

MARTIN WATTS, Red Deer

(If anyone deserves her own day…)

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