U.S. President Donald Trump delivers remarks on the jobs report from the Oval Office at the White House on March 7, in Washington.Anna Moneymaker/Getty Images
Choose your fighter
Re “It may provoke Trump, but Canada should cancel the purchase of F-35 fighter jets from the U.S.” (March 6): From an operational and security perspective, Canada’s front-line defence capabilities would be compromised by a complete reliance on the United States for programming F-35s and ongoing maintenance and parts.
The SAAB Gripen, runner-up in our fighter-jet selection process, has been proven in service, meets our military specifications and has been demonstrated to have operating costs a fraction of the F-35, with the bonus of being fully operable and serviceable from remote airstrips with minimal facilities. And it would be built in Canada.
It would appear to be a fighter jet better suited to this country’s rapidly changing air defence requirements.
Stephen Tyler Victoria
Change in the air
Re “Canada faces a tough road ahead – but we can survive this trade war” (March 6): Disinter Canada’s renowned Trade Commissioner Service from the bowels of Global Affairs Canada.
Restore this 131-year-old export-promotion bureau, once led by such luminaries as Mitchell Sharp and George Hees, to its once major position as an essential government aide to our international trade community.
F. Ian Wood Toronto
Re “Canadian support for paying for pollution could help in the fight against Trump tariffs” (Report on Business, March 1): As crazy as this sounds, Donald Trump’s irrational tariffs may be the most brilliant strategy to prevent catastrophic climate change. Nothing reduces carbon emissions better than a global economic contraction, which is sure to come.
The greatest climate change denier on Earth may in fact be saving the planet.
Ian Lipton President, The Carbon Accounting Company; Toronto
Brick and mortar
Re “Why Canadian grocery shoppers have been seeing discounts, despite tariffs” (Report on Business, March 7): My local grocery store has done a great job of placing signs indicating Canadian-made products on store shelves.
Can merchants also consider putting out signs that indicate products made in countries other than the United States? I went to a number of bins before finding oranges from Morocco.
Maybe “U.S.A.“ with a red line through it would work.
Hugh Molesworth Orangeville, Ont.
During this trade war, I want to buy Canadian. So what is the correct approach to take with U.S.-based franchises with outlets in Canada, such as McDonald’s or Burger King?
Most of these outlets are owned by Canadians, hire Canadian workers and purchase many of their supplies from Canadians, all arguments in favour of continuing to patronize them. But they purchase some of their branded products from the United States and remit franchise fees there, all arguments for boycotting them.
What is a trade warrior to do?
Michael Clair St. John’s
Transatlantic transgression
Re “Royal pain” (Letters, March 3): I disagree with a letter-writer who believes that Donald Trump “usually falls over himself in front of royalty.”
Everyone surely remembers his disgraceful and disrespectful behaviour when he paid a visit to Queen Elizabeth, flouting every centuries-old protocol that state leaders usually follow. One of his most egregious faux pas was pushing ahead of Her Majesty as they walked down the steps of Westminster Abbey. Her Majesty was not amused.
British people who are signing a petition asking that Donald Trump’s royal invitation be rescinded have not forgotten. If his visit goes ahead, I expect mobs of citizens to boo him, as he deserves.
I wonder how King Charles will feel if Mr. Trump, as he likely will, makes another of his little jokes about the 51st U.S. state – and also asks to try on his crown.
Honey Thomas Mississauga
Americans abroad
Re “The return of the ugly American” (March 7): We hear of Canadians who are cancelling U.S. trips to oppose the ugly tariffs. I think we will soon see what American tourists will deal with when travelling abroad.
They will likely bear the brunt of their President’s actions. How will they deal if they are disrespected when boarding planes, checking into hotels or settling onto beautiful beaches? They will be carrying the stench of a President who talks down to Ukrainians, Canadians, Palestinians and anyone else who does not bow to his presence.
I will put my trust in the waking up of the American people. When they realize that “fair play’ works both ways, they will likely be forced to confront their foolish leader and demand justice for all.
G. A. Teske Sherwood Park, Alta.
More or less
Re “You have permission to tune Donald Trump out” (Opinion, Feb. 22): It would be easier to tune Donald Trump out if the media didn’t feel compelled to report every twitch that he makes.
It has been amply demonstrated that reporting his lies and cruelty has not deterred his supporters. What, then, is the point?
There are people risking everything to help others. Maybe media could shine a light on them, instead of reporting on whichever sycophant is trudging around a golf course with Mr. Trump.
David Steele Saskatoon
Into the woods
Re “Oil industry insider Tom Beck advocated for environmental conservation” (Obituary, March 1): My wife Ann and I have a woodlot in the Upper Ottawa Valley.
It is sustainably managed under an international forest certificate from the Forest Stewardship Council, Principle 6 of which requires that any action, such as periodic thinning, contributes to increasing biodiversity values which support the protection of flora and fauna.
We are also members of the local Ontario Woodlot Association, as well as members of Eastern Ontario Model Forest. It is one of 60-plus model forests across 30-plus countries, all dedicated to conserving natural areas.
The story of Tom Beck left me overwhelmed with joy. I so much want to believe that our species is capable of greatness, whether in support of the environment or the betterment of ourselves.
Tony Bull Ottawa
Inside out
Re “Understanding loneliness: How social isolation can harm the individual and society” (Feb. 28): “It takes little effort to volunteer at a food bank, hospital, library or the Red Cross.” Actually, if asking anyone who is an introvert, it takes a huge amount of effort, if one even tries.
The introvert who may also be lonely faces twin battles: to get out more and socialize and to overcome a psychological resistance to engaging with strangers and large groups. I can, for instance, talk to anyone 1-on-1. I have friends whom I see or talk to.
But to get me to go to a party, or any place where there are large numbers of people I don’t know, is a monumental struggle. I often do not even attempt it.
Michael Cox Vancouver
Recent history
Re “Artifacts from the frenzied early days of the COVID pandemic” (Opinion, March 1): These unhappy pandemic memories include prominent and ubiquitous social-distancing signs. Sadly, we now know these were anti-social distancing rules that society, especially the young, are feeling the effects of now and for years to come.
As in all policy decisions, beware of unintended consequences.
Ted Brough Woolwich, Ont.
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