Culture and state
Prime Minister’s Office spokesman Andrew MacDougall has left me “extremely disappointed” in his ignorance of the role of the PMO in cultural programming (PMO ‘Disappointed’ Over ‘Terrorism’ Play – Review, Aug. 5). Far from being the “ones that have to spend ... wisely in every area,” since the 1950s (thanks to the Massey Commission) elected government officials have been consciously left out of decision-making when it comes to cultural (and research) funding. It is called arm’s-length funding and has led to an unprecedented flowering of Canadian culture.
The novels of Robertson Davies, Yann Martel and Margaret Atwood, the theatrics of Cirque du Soleil and Robert Lepage, and the performances of Measha Brueggergosman and William Hutt are signs that culture can move forward very well without the intrusion of the Prime Minister or his minions.
Mr. MacDougall should do his homework (both on policy and the play in question) before he opens his mouth to put his foot in it.
Alex Fallis, instructor, theatre history, Humber College and George Brown College, Toronto
Raising the bar
Your coverage of the crackdown on the BlackBerry in the United Arab Emirates (RIM’s New Sense Of Security – Aug. 3) brought to mind a burning question: Why doesn’t my smart phone offer me similar protection from government intrusion? Hopefully the positive publicity that Research In Motion gets from this fiasco will light a fire under its competitors to protect customers from the prying eyes of the state.
Alex Massé, Lethbridge, Alta.
This land is our land
Hurrah for J.D.M. Stewart’s piece We Need To Peel Back The Curtain On Our History (Aug. 4). My parents took their young family on three summer vacations to do exactly what Mr. Stewart suggests: discover Canada.
In 1966, we went to the West Coast, discovering the vastness of the Prairies, the joys of swimming in an irrigation ditch, the mystery of Ogopogo and the majesty of the Rockies. In 1967, we travelled to Montreal and marvelled at the wonderful Man and His World themed pavilions and discovered the diversity of Canada and the world. And in 1969, I shall never forget digging for clams near Truro, the beauty of Cape Breton, the excitement of rolling “up” Magnetic Hill, and the beaches and Anne of PEI. On each trip, we did all of the cultural/historical visits my mom could fit in – battlefields, forts, museums and art galleries.
Best of all, there was immense discovery and joy in meeting and connecting with the wonderful people from every part of Canada and the many international visitors travelling our great land. No history class at school can replace a personal discovery of just what an “immense and an exciting country” this is.
Kevin Schwenker, Halifax
Environmental value
Allan Gotlieb asks why the building of “vast pipelines” has not become a national priority (Not Just Another Foreign-Policy Review – Aug. 3). Here is an answer: Many Canadians do not feel that diversification of trade in oil and gas and the attendant tar bubble of economic activity are in fact in this nation’s long-term interest. This does not reflect a predilection for indulgence in the “gauzy candescence of value discussions,” but a recognition that the development of Canada’s tar sands is being spurred by morally bankrupt ethical egoism.
It is not accurate or fair to imply, as Mr. Gotlieb does, that American environmentalism should be dismissed as veiled protectionism. Not all political action can be reduced to economic motives.
Morgan Tait, Toronto
Northern pride
