Letters, Nov. 16, 2019: Cherry should be held to a higher standard
Credit to Author: Carolyn Soltau| Date: Sat, 16 Nov 2019 02:00:09 +0000
After hearing the distasteful comments made by Don Cherry, and then seeing some fellow Canadians defending his words on social media, it makes me uneasy to know that this type of ignorance exists in my beautiful country.
As a son of immigrants from Pakistan, and a member of the Ahmadiyya Muslim Jama’at, I can attest to the fact that we are not only proud Canadians, but honour our soldiers every year by wearing poppies, and observe a moment of silence on Nov. 11. Not only am I obligated to do so because I am a proud Canadian, but also because I am a proud Ahmadi Muslim. The Holy Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) stated, that loyalty to your country is a part of your faith.
Over the past weekend, thousands of immigrants gathered at mosques across Canada as a part of the “Muslims for Remembrance” campaign. Recent immigrants, refugees, and Canadian-born citizens stood side-by-side, as the Last Post was played, poppies were donned, and silence was observed.
I expect much more from Cherry, who himself is not only a descendent of immigrants to Canada, but a voice heard by many across the country, and thus held to a higher standard.
Blawal Aleem, Maple, Ont.
On Saturday, I noticed young cadets, a large number of whom were visible minorities, on the street selling poppies. Happy to be helping out. Later that evening, I wondered how many rushed home after volunteering to watch Hockey Night in Canada, only to be subjected to Don Cherry’s rant. I want to let these young Canadians know that all true Canadians are proud of you. You are our future.
Dale Parker, Vancouver
On Friday, my community mosque was filled with over a hundred “you people” who participated in a Remembrance Day ceremony. Similar ceremonies were held in Ahmadiyya mosques across Canada. So, to hear Don Cherry’s divisive comments the very next day was very disappointing. If he genuinely cared about supporting the veterans, he would have simply said that more people should wear the poppy. But unfortunately, he didn’t do that. Perhaps Cherry doesn’t realize that these “you people” have also served and sacrificed their lives for Canada.
With that said, I would also like to echo an opinion of many — no one should be forced to wear a poppy. Don, I do love “your” way of life, which includes freedom to express support, like any other choice. We must realize that everyone has a different experience with the military. Not wearing a poppy doesn’t make you less of a Canadian.
Fasih Malik, Calgary
Disappointed in Sportsnet
I am disappointed by Sportsnet’s hypocritical behaviour and editorial cowardice.
It is wrong to fire Don Cherry. For all his political incorrectness, this episode was just an excuse to get rid of an old man, who brought more colour to the game than anyone else.
As an icon of hockey, he was also a great patriot. Let’s not forget that. Putting him in the political straitjacket is just a load of poppycock.
Robin Lockhart, Vancouver
I read with interest Vaughn Palmer’s column detailing the difficulties that Social Credit, Liberal and NDP governments have had bargaining with the BCTF.
For the past 18 years, after Gordon Campbell’s Liberal government illegally tore up its collective agreement with teachers, every round of bargaining with B.C. public-sector employees has been overshadowed by the government’s so-called mandate — a fixed offer that was imposed if not accepted.
In this round of bargaining, John Horgan’s NDP government has imposed another one-size-fits-all take-it-or-leave-it mandate for all government employees, completely ignoring the need in the education sector to address class size and composition issues, better supports for students with special needs, teacher shortages, and reasonable salary increases for the lowest-paid teachers in Canada.
How is it bargaining in good faith when the government makes an offer that no one can refuse?
Richard Hoover, Delta