20

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

21

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

22

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

23

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

24

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

25

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

26

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