The value of values
Re Volkswagen Scandal Isn't A Scandal: It's A Syndrome, And A Symptom (Sept. 23). Henry Mintzberg's excellent commentary should scare anyone concerned about the direction of our country. Whether in the political or corporate arena, these occurrences are becoming the norm. They clearly arise in organizations with weak corporate cultures, despite the fact that their external communications extol their "values." It's time for our leaders, corporate and political, to start practising what they preach.
Let's not just talk about the debt we are leaving our younger generation; let's talk about the values that we want to see for the growth of our country.
Bill Rasberry, Apsley, Ont.
------------------------
VW's emissions rigging is a symptom of an epidemic disease. Communism did not work, but neither has unfettered capitalism. It will take decades to correct this pervasive culture of greed, and many in power will not want to correct it, as it will be to their advantage not to do so. Where has honesty and conscience gone? We see growing income inequities; ridiculous incomes for CEOs, celebrities and pro athletes; politicians bribing us with our own money; manipulative financiers who have not gone to jail.
We badly need a middle-of-the-road balanced economy and society, but I'm not going to see it in my lifetime.
Charles Simpson, Victoria
-----------------------
Innovative fix
Konrad Yakabuski gets an A+ for his insight (Government Can't Solve The Innovation Deficit, Sept. 25). There is no easy policy fix to our innovation deficit. The problem is much more cultural than procedural.
I've lived and studied in the United States, and Americans don't spend time fretting and worrying. They imagine success and then they act. If failure happens, they go back to plan A.
I also lived and studied in Finland. Finns worry, but they are one team, and will do anything necessary for the team. If Canada is to succeed, we do need policy innovations, but they must reflect the Canadian personality – our thoughtful, determined side, not the nervous wallflower side.
And my bit of innovation advice: Fund university research by direct contracts from federal departments and give up on "granting councils," which totally dominate academic research funding, thinking and policy.
Claude Daley, professor, Memorial University, St. John's
-----------------------
Flip side of low dollar
It is true that Canadian retailers' costs of imported goods increase when our dollar depreciates, but this is only half of the story (Retailers Eye Price Hikes as Slumping Loonie Pinches Profits, Sept. 21). As the value of the loonie falls, products sold in the United States become more expensive, so fewer Canadian consumers cross the border to shop there. This means more customers for Canadian retailers.
Studies show that Canadian retailers' employment, sales, and profit increase when the loonie loses value. Although the positive effects on retailers' profits are smaller for those farther from the U.S. border, the effects are significant for those as far away as 200 kilometres.
When the dollar depreciates, Canadian consumers pay higher prices at home and abroad, while Canadian retailers' profits rise.
Beverly Lapham, professor, Queen's University, Kingston, Ont.
-------------------------
Lettters to the Editor should be exlusive to The Glboe and Mail. INcluce name, address and daytime phone number. Keep letters under 150 words. Letters may be edited for length and clarity. E-mail: letters@globeandmail.com