Golfers behind U.S. President Donald Trump as he speaks to the press after a meeting with European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen, in Turnberry, Scotland, on Sunday.BRENDAN SMIALOWSKI/AFP/Getty Images
Art of the steal
Re “U.S. and European Union reach trade pact that sets 15-per-cent tariff on EU goods” (July 28): I am astounded that the latest Trump news wasn’t included in your Real Estate section, since this “trade deal” was concluded not within an office of state, but on one of the U.S. President’s golf courses, in a country not even part of the European Union.
Moreover, it seems to bear little resemblance to a legally binding trade deal, and more to one of Mr. Trump’s trademark business deals in which he screws over the other party.
Kenneth Oppel Toronto
Caps and bans
Re “Ottawa pressed to drop oil and gas emissions cap for stronger industrial carbon pricing” (Report on Business, July 24): Let’s be clear-eyed.
The Canadian Climate Institute says a stronger carbon price might match an emissions cap, but only if Ottawa and the provinces overhaul a system they’ve steadily weakened. Until that unicorn arrives, the cap remains essential, especially now with the International Court of Justice warning that a state’s failure to curb fossil fuel production, consumption, subsidies or exploration may constitute an internationally wrongful act.
The cap isn’t optional, then, it’s a legal and moral necessity.
Cathy Orlando Director, Citizens’ Climate Lobby Canada; Sudbury
Re “To preserve B.C.’s beautiful North Coast, we must maintain the oil tanker ban” (July 28): We are assured that the tanker ban on British Columbia’s North Coast is not a punishment to one province or industry, but instead is intended to protect our marine environment and the communities and the livelihoods it supports.
Nevertheless, I am curious to know why Canada’s East Coast does not warrant similar protection from oil tankers. Is the marine environment there, and the communities and livelihoods it supports, somehow already protected?
John Reilly Victoria
Sunny ways
Re “Supply issues” (Letters, July 25): My wife and I once visited New Zealand, spending a week as guests on a prosperous dairy farm. As Canadians, we were struck by the absence of large farm buildings to provide shelter and milking areas for the herd.
The reason is that New Zealand enjoys a more gentle climate than most of Canada, with “winter” temperatures averaging low double digits, compared to Canada’s sub-zero temperatures.
It’s no mystery to us why New Zealand ranks highest globally as a dairy exporter.
Les Dominy Renfrew, Ont.
Root problem
Re “Canada is not to blame for America’s fentanyl crisis” (July 25): No, but the problem in both countries is likely to continue, and even grow, if the solution being pursued is to stop supply.
The war on drugs has, for decades now, tried and failed with this approach. As long as there is demand and it is extremely lucrative to provide drugs, criminal organizations will almost always find ways to keep supply flowing.
The answer should be to address societal problems that lead people to seek escape through this and other addictive and deadly substances. No easy task and no shortcuts.
Mark Roberts Gananoque, Ont.
More or less?
Re “Prostate cancer screening should focus on those with elevated risks, experts say” (July 25): Almost three decades ago, I was prescribed a “routine” prostate-specific antigen test.
The result was considered elevated and a second test performed. Since the second test confirmed the first, a biopsy was scheduled and came back “enlarged prostate,” but no cancer.
Over the years, my PSA has risen considerably, hence three more biopsies. Although low-grade cancer is now evident in one small area, because of my history with an enlarged prostate, my urologist has consistently advised against surgery or hormonal therapy, merely advocating for continued monitoring of levels specific to my profile.
PSA testing is a tool to be used for screening with subsequent procedures applicable to individual cases. That unnecessary surgical removal has in the past been conducted is quite correct, but to advocate against general screening would be short-sighted and a failure to understand the benefits for those who do indeed have undetected high-risk and, potentially, metastatic cancer.
John Nightingale Ottawa
In January, 2003, I received the devastating news. “Sorry to tell you, Mr. Smith, you have cancer.”
I give credit to my family doctor for probably saving my life from this slow-growing type of cancer. He was giving me prostate-specific antigen tests on a regular basis.
When he noticed it was gradually increasing, he sent me to a urologist. After monitoring me for several months, the urologist said, “There is probably a 95-per-cent chance you don’t have cancer.”
My mother died of lung cancer. My younger sister died of multiple myeloma. I said give me the biopsy. Sure enough, I had cancer.
This is what I have learned: With cancer, detect it early and get it out before it spreads. I had a radical prostatectomy.
Death from prostate cancer most often comes when it breaks out of the prostate and spreads to other internal organs. Be pro-active and get tested.
Dan Smith Hamilton
In 2016, my doctor had mixed views on prostate-specific antigen testing.
After a “digital rectal exam” which did not raise any flags, we had a conversation. He was willing to send me for a PSA test in spite of seeing no elevated risk.
That test showed a moderately elevated PSA reading. Follow-ups showed a rapidly rising PSA. Following two biopsies, surgery was recommended and performed.
There was no blind rush to surgery; the test was an indicator and used as such. It was subsequent tests and examinations which provided strong evidence of aggressive prostate cancer.
This is where I believe the 2014 prostate guideline is mistaken: A single elevated PSA result may indicate cancer, but there are further steps needed before being reasonably certain surgery or radiation is required.
I trust that those tasked with revisiting routine PSA screening do not rush and make the same mistake as in 2014.
David Cater Salt Spring Island, B.C.
God’s plan
Re “MAGA-affiliated American musician faces wave of cancellations on eastern Canadian tour” (July 24): Until the mid-1960s, I attended an Anglican church and was confirmed, because that’s what we did. In the intervening decades, I have developed serious doubts about aspects of several Christian tenets, and find I cannot claim to be a Christian at this time.
Despite that, I have a good concept of how a person who claims to be a Christian should act. I would like to see the public and media start referring to individuals who stray far from the general concept of Christianity in ways that point this out.
This story might refer to “Sean Feucht, the so-called Christian musician.”
Hugh Molesworth Orangeville, Ont.
Letters to the Editor should be exclusive to The Globe and Mail. Include your name, address and daytime phone number. Keep letters to 150 words or fewer. Letters may be edited for length and clarity. To submit a letter by e-mail, click here: letters@globeandmail.com