Jeffrey Simpson’s column (Pipe-Altering Lessons – Nov. 16) offers some good insights into pipeline politics and government hypocrisy and states accurately that people are opposed to most fossil fuel expansion, not just the oil sands. However, his speculation on First Nations’ opposition to the Northern Gateway project as “pig headed” or not wanting “to join modernity” are offensive and misstate the valid concerns voiced by more than 60 indigenous communities. They are concerned about irreparable damage to the land and salmon migration routes and are well aware how little of the large profits made by energy companies accrues to the First Nations whose land these projects are frequently based on. Their reasons are well founded and well documented by many First Nations, including the Wet’suwet’en.
Bharat Chandramouli, Victoria
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Make it worse
In nearly 30 years as a correctional officer, I’ve found that prolonged isolated lockups with little more than a toilet and Bible only increase prisoners’ anger, resentment and volatility (Bill Would Cut Visits To Punish Inmates – Nov. 16). There are instances where segregation can be an effective tool – say, for post-physical altercation cool-down periods – but this crime bill will do nothing if it creates an even more tense and potentially explosive atmosphere for all involved in the correctional system.
Kill this medieval bill and reintroduce measures that encourage some form of fluid decency in our jail system or, dare I say, rehabilitation?
Dan Fraser, Toronto
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I am a Canadian lawyer and a doctoral student at New York University. I study the history of prison law in North America. These days, many American criminologists, judges and politicians are working desperately to reduce prison populations. Sadly, it took a financial collapse to get this conversation started, but political leaders are now anxious to reduce production of the social dysfunctions that go along with prison expansion.
I have litigated human rights cases on behalf of Canadian prisoners. I know there are seriously mentally ill people in solitary confinement instead of the psychiatric facilities where they belong; rehabilitative programs have long waiting lists; women are separated from their children because of mandatory minimum sentencing, in situations where no judge would have opted for a prison term if she had a choice. While I have empathy for those unable to move past resentment and fear, I have no patience for those who see fit to translate these disturbing emotions into law, leaving the rest of us to pay the cost.
Lisa Coleen Kerr, New York
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About John Galt ...
My sell order is in for my Lululemon stock (For Yoga Devotees, Lululemon’s Bag Slogan Is A Stretch – Report on Business, Nov. 16). Their John Galt/Ayn Rand campaign – tagged to Atlas Shrugged, which advocates self-interest as the way to a better world – is irresponsible, especially given the facts of the current economic mess. If this is the company’s kind of leadership, I’m out. Any profits I make will be donated to a charity and the Occupy movement.
Sheila Petzold, Ottawa
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In the spirit of “two sides to every story,” I encourage Lululemon customers who are unhappy with the new “Who is John Galt?” slogan to consider another interpretation. In 1827, Canada Company Superintendent John Galt founded the town of Guelph. One hundred and eighty-four years later, we Guelphites may have our issues, just like any municipality, but we also celebrate our low unemployment rate, our green spaces, our arts, our university and, may I add, a thriving yoga community. Carry your “Who is John Galt?” bag with pride!
Jean Mills, Guelph, Ont.
