Ken DeLuca

Below are my Letters written to the Globe and Mail in 2006. Yellow underlined passages indicate they were published in the paper or on-line the following day. ( as one can see, many are culled but few are chosen.) Letters submitted in other years may be viewed by clicking the appropriate year above.

Letter writer Scott MacKenzie says gun bans don’t work because criminals don’t obey them. By the same logic, we should repeal the crime of murder because murderers don’t obey that law. Laws are society’s agreed-upon forms of behaviour with consequences. They are not decrees that somehow magically banish bad behaviour. January 8, 2006

Dear Ms Wente: You will be happy to know that Ben Franklin also said, “ One should dress to please others but eat to please oneself. “ You may not be pleased to realize that the latter impacts on the former, usually negatively. My own simple but not modest resolution stems from dicta handed down from women in my life ( mother and wife ): Move more, eat less and look in the mirror before going out. January 9, 2006

The ill-conceived Liberal campaign ads may be part of an Ad Scam not looked into by Justice Gomery. Could it be Chretien supporters within the Liberal Party are getting their own back on Paul Martin by developing the most offensive ads possible? The “ Soldiers with Guns in City Streets’ ad is as bad as American election advertising at its worst. It’s beyond negative; it’s toxic! January 13, 2006

Ethics: Go for Joe: It is perfectly understandable that Ed Broadbent could not accept the post of Ethics Commissioner, given his family obligations (The Shapiro Controversies -- March 9). But surely Prime Minster Stephen Harper has Joe Clark's phone number. Like Mr. Broadbent, Mr. Clark is synonymous with integrity and ethical behaviour. Just ask Brian Mulroney. And like Mr. Broadbent, Mr. Clark meets a most important ethical criterion; he was never a Liberal and never crossed from his party. Actually, the party crossed him. March 10, 2006

The ‘un-Canadian’ crimes of terrorism, treason, rape and murder Martin Collacott cites are not just offensive to Canadians but to humanity in general. Therefore, Canada, like all other nations, calls such behaviour ‘offences‘ and commits the offenders to prison. We live together in Canada, live by the same rules and fulfill the same responsibilities as citizens. That’s Canadian. Differentiating between naturalized and native born citizens smacks of racism, and that is Un-Canadian. March 10, 2006

Stephen Harper can’t seem to keep a gag on his caucus. It was a gag and not a joke, I presume, when Conservative MP Colin Mayes mused about jailing reporters who “twist the truth’ . The press can already be held accountable; it's called libel and slander laws. But uncomplimentary or even unfair opinion is not the same as falsehood. We all have biases which colour our view of the world. Mine is that my heart is on the left ( unlike Vulcans and Neo-Cons ). There, I've published a sarcastic comment, defaming ultra-right wingers. Shall I look forward to being thrown into a PC (irony intended) jail? March 31, 2006

Letter writer Margot Secord and others are concerned about the amount of coverage the Globe and Mail gave to Pamela Anderson. From the photo I saw, I’d say it takes an awful lot to decently cover Ms Anderson. April 4, 2006

Lack of blond ambition? Thank you, Belinda Stronach, for your wise decision (Stronach Won't Seek Liberal Leadership -- on-line edition, April 6). Considering that the Liberal Party is still making its way in the dark, Canada may be spared the folly of the blond leading the blind. April 7, 2006

Rick Salutin has wrongly chastised Michael Ignatieff for ‘carping’ about not getting enough press attention in his bid for Liberal leadership. Mr. Salutin points out that many spend years hoping their opinions will appear in the Letters to the Editor pages of this fine newspaper. He implies ‘Iggy’ is a spoiled child with an overblown sense of self-importance. Please, correct me if I’m wrong; but does your paper not invite comment through this page; do your editors not choose which letters to publish; do those editors not use sound journalistic criteria when determining choice of letters? The editors of the Globe, not Michael Ignatieff, have given him his soap box. ( Q, ed ) April 15, 2006

PETER GUINDON wrote “ If people can't afford to sacrifice money for daycare services or spend time… then they shouldn't have children.” Spoken like a true ( Tory ) blue member of the privileged class. I am reminded of the Woodie Guthrie Dust Bowl Ballad, ' If you ain’t got the do re mi….' April 21, 2006

Letter writer Edwin Gibson derides the Liberal Leadership bid of Bob Rae, describing the former Ontario Premier as one who “single-handedly destroyed a provincial economy”. Not so. The worst recession in Ontario in 30 years, federal cut backs and the so-called “free trade’ agreement did a lot more to hurt Ontario’s economy. I agree that Rae’s attempt to spend his way out of the recession was a mistake. On the other hand, his “ Rae Days” approach to cutting back government spending was a great idea. It’s a pity his own supporters in the Labour Movement couldn’t get beyond their own narrow self interest. April 28, 2006

Jean-Daniel Lafond, the husband of Gov.-Gen. Michaelle Jean, says he is free to express political views through his art because he is a citizen in a free society. True. But his wife is more than a citizen. Michaelle Jean keeps her comments to general, social issues because she must be non-partisan. Her husband’s commentary should also address social but not political issues. If her husband insists on exercising his rights, the Governor General will have no choice but resign. April 30, 2006

I agree with Jeff Simpson that Mandatory Minimum Sentences will not affect crime rates, will not deter the violent and desperate, and will cost society a bundle. One would think the Conservatives would demand cost effectiveness, a business-like approach to policy. But “bang for your buck’ can take on a darker meaning for voters. Our gut reaction to violent, senseless crime is anger. When this anger is channelled into hate, our reaction is immoderate, based on a need for vengeance and sadly lacking in reason. The Harper government is appealing to our un-reason, playing to the mob. May 5, 2006

I guess alleged mass murderers as well as Liberal cronies are entitled to their entitlements. We mere taxpayer/citizens stand in disbelief of a legal system ( investigative and judicial ) that results in a drawn out, bungled Air India trial, on the one hand, and a soft pass to Karla the Kid Killer on the other. Law, the foundation of our freedom, comes into disrepute and we grow increasingly cynical. May 7, 2006

When I think of what makes me proud to be Canadian, the following come to mind: One-tier Health Care, Equalization payments to ensure national standards, Bilingualism, Multiculturalism, no capital punishment, judicial recognition of Quebec’s right to determine its own fate, support for the U.N., world court and multi-lateral approach to foreign policy, a history of peacekeeping, and a Canadian culture of moderation not violence ( except in hockey ). These Canadian traits, I fear, are not what Stephen Harper’s Conservatives think of when they “ Stand up for Canada’. May 10, 2006

While I applaud the government’s desire to debate an extension of Canada’s commitment to Afghanistan, I strongly object to Parliament holding a vote immediately after that debate. Where is the accountability in that? MPs will have had no chance to hear from their constituents on this matter. If the debate is to be taken seriously, people must be given time to consider the arguments and then a chance to tell their MPs what they think. Members of Parliament would be free to vote after the people have a chance to sway that vote. That, it seems to me, was bottom line accountability in the populist principles of the Reform and Alliance parties. May 17, 2006

Ban all provinces: M. A. Wozenilek believes in re-jigging Confederation by combining provinces with smaller populations to take care of the equalization problem. He should know that four have-nots do not make a whole. Four poor economies combined do not make one healthy one. There would be small savings from reduced government but it would not outweigh the increased alienation that would result. May 18, 2006

Security and Freedom are always at odds. What I find disturbing in this article RCMP foiled a dozen plots in past two years is that this leaked information tends to increase the level of fear, is a harbinger of curtailed freedom while in no way increasing security. The dozen or so situations of terrorist potential, for which there was not enough evidence, may be cause for alarm, but it's the sounding of the alarm that alarms me. We are a society of law, a people who respect rights and due process. Innuendo without debate or evidence is no foundation for truth. And how came this story? A convenient leak to bolster an internal fear campaign? Make no mistake: it is the police and security forces’ job to Serve and Protect. Let us be vigilant and all praise to the police forces who arrest those who would be violent and can be shown to have plotted such. But I caution against arming the authorities with fear-fueled powers to disable and slander any who, in their opinion, pose a threat to the established order. Opposition is not a crime, debate is not treason, peaceful protest is not terror, and different beliefs, life-styles, world views are not sin. Bring us evidence of criminal intent, not vague suggestions of wrong doing. June 7, 2006

Your editorial re Louise Arbour’s positions on terrorism legislation took me aback. It reminded me of Shakespeare’s Marc Antony giving his funeral oration to the fallen Caesar. Just as he twisted the phrase ‘ Honourable men’ to its opposite, so your editorial turned the word ‘ noble’ into ‘naïve’, ‘impractical’ or ‘ineffective’. The former SCOC Justice held scales in her first role; as Human Rights Commissioner, she holds a shield protecting the individual from the awesome might of the state. She has done honour to Lady Justice in both roles. June 28, 2006

Would John Barber prefer the ethos of hockey to that of football ( soccer )? In the former, assault with a deadly weapon gets you two minutes in the penalty box, a mob brawl brings higher TV ratings, and trumpeting ‘Rock ‘em, Sock ‘em ‘ sportsmanship gets you into the Coach’s Corner every Saturday night.

Soccer, on the other hand, demands respect, civility and courtesy. When a player appears injured, the opposing team will kick the ball into touch so play may stop and the injured man be helped. Then the other side will graciously return the courtesy by kicking the ball to their opponent. Fallen, fouled players are given a hand up by an opponent. Players show deference when arguing a point with a game official.

As to national rivalry, we have all seen soccer riots but I seem to recall Vancouver being torn apart when the Canucks failed to win their cup. Jerks use any sport as an excuse for vandalism and violence. But I find the rest of us enthuse in our beloved game with the most positive of national pride. A Yellow Card to John Barber for his unsportsmanlike attitude to a Multi-cultural Canada! June 28, 2006

Because Steve Harper seems keen to see things from an American point of view, I suggest Canada’s new motto should reflect how our southern neighbours see us. Ergo, Musculus qui pondurus est. ( The mouse that bored ). July 10, 2006

Rex Murphy rightly scoffs at the conspiracy theory industry. I suspect the conspiracy exposé gang are part hobbyist, part self-mocking and part free enterprise con. But Rex underestimates the extent of gullibility these days. Consider that an astonishing percentage of the American people are firm believers in a very old fantasy-hoax, namely creationism, wherein Godless scientists are unmasked as conspirators? And is Rex not aware of G. W. Bush’s own fantasy tale about global warming, wherein a cabal of scientists threaten America’s ‘right’ to use and abuse as much power as it wants? July 15, 2006

I disagree with your editorial praising the Prime Minister’s stand on the current conflict in the Middle-East. Steve Harper is four-square behind G. W. Bush in unequivocal support of Israel, whose forces are raining terror on the Lebanese people including an estimated 50,000 Canadian civilians. If leaders throughout the world are right to condemn suicide and other terrorist bombers for their bloody deeds, surely the more efficient and deadly state terrorism of Israel must be condemned as well. Self defence is what each side claims in a civil war, revolution, or struggle against occupying forces. July 20, 2006

I am no supporter of the Conservatives or Steve Harper. But I was appalled at the criticism he has received for not attending the Aids Conference in Toronto. The address by Mark Wainberg, conference co-chair, clearly shows he does not understand Parliamentary democracy. Canada’s head of state, the Governor General was there as was the Health Minister, Tony Clement. A Prime Minister is first among equals who works with a cabinet to function as a government which is ultimately responsible to Parliament. On several other occasions, Steve Harper has acted more like a President than a Prime Minister. This time he got it right. August 15, 2006

The Globe & Mail on-line edition features a photo of Prime Minister Steve Harper at Alert, Nunavut and, in dry humour, notes the PM is “as far away from the majority of Canadians as a person can be while still being in the country.” As true as that may be, it would be more fitting for the PM to stand at the North Pole. Clearly, for social and political perspective he always looks south. August 15, 2006

Public Works Minister Fortier wants to get a grip on things? The more things change, the more they stay the same. The point of the consultant report and 'fact' finding junket was to figure out better ways to deliver service to Canadian taxpayers / citizens? And this is to be through 3P ( Private-Public Partnership ) contracts? I believe 3-P initiatives in Britain and Australia have already proven more costly, yielding less public control and at greater public liability? Is this ideologically driven management or just pay off time for Conservative Party backers? The pigs are at the trough again and they're bringing their friends with them. August 18, 2006

Reviewer Steven Cole gives us a good analysis of Snakes on a Plane as a sort of Circus Maximus meets Airplane 2. But was the plane bathroom scene he described a mixed media presentation? The Full Monty Python? August 18, 2006

The 2-by-4 terrorists? : As Michel Facon points out (Talking With Terrorists -- letter, Aug. 23), governments start out saying they will never negotiate with terrorists but eventually, as with the FLN in Algeria or IRA in Northern Ireland, if we want peace, we settle. I guess Stephen Harper took that view when agreeing to the softwood-lumber deal with the trade terrorists from the U.S. August 23, 2006

Were you surprised, shocked or appalled when you wrote, “ Not again. Not another trade dispute in which the United States financially penalizes Canada's exporters….” NAFTA is not only an unfair agreement, it is no agreement at all if the Americans can ignore it when it suits them. And you find it a further injury that the Americans are levying fees on us to pay for their trade tricks. History shows that imperial powers often tax their colonies to pay for their suppression and forced trade relations; remember the Stamp Act and the Boston Tea Party? Are the Editors of the Globe and Mail preparing an apology to Elizabeth May? September 2, 2006

Marathon wait: Rick Baker, private medical broker, says, "You don't want to get sick in Ontario." Well, I live in Ontario, and I have cancer. I'm undergoing a series of tests that will include an MRI this Sunday, less than a month since my diagnosis. My medical team has assured me that people in greater medical need are bumped to the head of waiting lists for MRIs. Your health status, not your financial status, is what counts in caring for you in Ontario.

If the medical resources, professionals and patient load stay the same, then privatizing does nothing to shorten waiting lists. What it does do is shorten the wait for those who can pay extra. If you want to get well quickly in B.C., you better be rich. September 13, 2006

I’m not sure who is responsible for this, Globe and Mail editors or Gerry Nichols who is quoted as saying, "I don't think the state has a roll in telling Canadians….” not to be couch potatoes. I hope it wasn’t the fault of John A. Carmichael, professor emeritus at Queen’s University, who cites the quote in a letter to the editor. He should know better; rolls plus potatoes would be too much starch for any Canadian to stomach. October 4, 2006

The question should be ' Are wounded soldiers being adequately compensated and cared for by the Canadian Armed Forces when taken out of action?' The rate of pay and benefits should reflect both their needs ( which may be great ) AND the nation's gratitude for their ( continuing ) sacrifice. Danger pay stops, yes; but 'thank you' pay should begin. Does it? If not, it should. We are a rich nation and can afford to care for those who have cared for us. October 5, 2006

Dear Ms Blatchford,

Your column this morning shows me a war painted in greys, not blacks and whites. Thank you. I don’t need clear edged reality when clear edges aren’t real. The support for our ( and other NATO ) troops is solid in Canada but the same cannot be said for the mission or Canadian foreign policy in the region. You column illuminates why this is so.

I agree that our ( stated ) cause is just and the need of the Afghan people is great. But when the political dynamic of that unfortunate land is powered by war-lords, drug-lords and God-lords, how can we bring about any political alternative to meet Afghani’s needs? The war-lords impose security at a price ( feudal fealty ), the drug-lords provide the people an income at a price ( mafia-style market ) and the Taliban God-lords grant spiritual absolutism, a time-honoured opiate of the masses (irony intended ).

And what do NATO troops and our NGOs have to offer in their stead? Western values nurtured in safe zones ringed by Leopard Tanks, the promise of a hand out, and valiant skirmishes against a phantom enemy that leave scores of native bystanders dead, and an Afghani Parliament and administrative service more loyal to the indigenous power base than to the foreign forces.

Nothing is clear. Our sentinels of the rule of law and the need for order shout “ Who goes there? Friend or Foe? “ The answer is as ambiguous as the question must be for the Afghani people when they wonder about us, “ Friend or Foe? “ Are we tilting at windmills or marching valiantly into quick sand? Not a good idea. Is it just cause or just folly? October 5, 2006

Letter writer R.M. Baxter defends the Globe and Mail use of “ carrot and stick “ citing the Encarta Dictionary definition which attributes ‘ combination of rewards and punishments’. Dictionaries like Encarta grow their definitions to meet common misuse. Likewise, you will find Funk and Wagnals recognizes the non-word ‘ irregardless’ ( as does my computer spell-check ). Consider the source: Funk and Wagnals was first distributed in supermarkets at $1 for the first volume of a multi-volume set. Encarta software came free with my ‘loaded’ computer five years ago. Mass meaning in the McKnowledge Mall. October 17, 2006

In Peter MacKay’s Love Story, love is never having to say you’re sorry. Perhaps he merely said something like ‘ Fido-Duddle” October 20, 2006

Of mice and men: Your Nov. 2 on-line Globe poll asks: "A new study suggests that obese mice can enjoy the benefits of being thin if they consume red-wine extract. Will this news influence any of your lifestyle choices?" No. I don't drink socially with mice. November 4, 2006

A Christmas Rex: It wouldn't be Christmas without Rex Murphy battling political correctness (The Last Spasm Of Humbugitis -- Dec. 23). It isn't about correctness; it's about consideration. Inclusiveness, or multiculturalism or tolerance, is the real target when PC bashers begin to rant.

No one objects to the cheerful cries of "Merry Christmas," but if major retailers want their employees to say "Happy holidays" or "Season's greetings," it's probably because, as good businessmen, they want to please all of their customers. Likewise, governments in Canada should strive to be non-sectarian. We celebrate this time of year by propping up our economy, enriching our self-esteem (through gift-giving) and reaching out to our brothers and sisters everywhere regardless of race, colour or creed. If I decorate my Yule tree, so what? December 27, 2006

Re Ode to Oda: Is this Chisholm Pothier the same guy who had to resign last April as press secretary to Premier Bernard Lord? He resigned after leaking a letter containing personal information about a constituent. It’s telling that our new Conservative government finds jobs for flacks and hacks who have already disgraced themselves. December 28, 2006