LETTER TO THE EDITOR: Disappointed by name-calling

Re: As I See It by James Loewen, Trump’s cheating personality at golf reveals his true personality, and Viewpoint by Mary Lou Driedger, Ambassador and Gordie Howe bridges, Aug. 13, The Carillon.

I read the recent columns by James Loewen and Mary Lou Driedger with considerable disappointment. Both are entitled to their opinions, but surely we can debate political issues without vicious name-calling or questioning the patriotism of Canadians who disagree.

Mr. Loewen describes President Donald Trump as “evil, ignorant, incurious, corrupt,” a “malignant narcissist,” “cruel” and a “bully.” What purpose does this serve? If he disagrees with Trump’s policies, criticize them. But this kind of personal attack contributes nothing to intelligent political discussion.

Donald Trump seems to live rent-free in Mr. Loewen’s head. Why can he never find something positive to write about in our country rather than continually obsessing over the American president?

Mr. Loewen even criticizes Trump for allegedly nodding off during a meeting. President Trump keeps an extraordinarily demanding schedule and reportedly works very long days. Yet we should condemn him because someone claims he closed his eyes during a meeting? Meanwhile, Joe Biden spent four years facing serious and widely reported questions about his stamina and alertness.

And frankly, who cares what Trump does on his own golf course? Whether he takes a mulligan or improves his lie has absolutely no relevance to his ability to run the country. Judge him by his policies and their results, not his golf score.

Far more serious is Mr. Loewen’s accusation that Trump is responsible for “killing innocent people.” Iran continues to threaten the United States and its allies, and Canada has listed Iran’s Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps as a terrorist entity. Preventing Iran from developing a nuclear weapon makes the world safer and is imperative for all of us. Siding with Iran over the American President should be considered treasonous. Mr. Loewen’s suggestion that we should be terrified of Trump having access to nuclear codes is equally ridiculous. He already served four years as president without launching a nuclear war.

If Mr. Loewen wants to criticize Trump, fine. But criticize him professionally. Debate policies, decisions and results rather than resorting to insults.

I also take exception to Ms. Driedger’s suggestion that travelling to the United States for pleasure is “somewhat unpatriotic.”

My wife and I just returned from Kentucky after visiting the Ark Encounter with our children and grandchildren. They didn’t care who the president was. We were simply a Canadian family enjoying time together in a country whose people have been our neighbours, friends and allies for generations.

Ms. Driedger is entitled to refuse to visit the United States while Trump is president. I respect her right to make that choice, and I would vigorously defend her right to express that opinion even though I disagree with it. That is patriotism. Patriotism does not mean expecting every Canadian to share our politics or our vacation choices.

Regarding the Gordie Howe International Bridge, an American president is responsible for getting the best possible deal for Americans, just as our prime minister is responsible for getting the best possible deal for Canadians. Governments sometimes disagree. They negotiate and resolve those disagreements. That does not suddenly make Americans our enemies.

The same applies to tariffs. Tariffs can penalize American buyers by increasing the cost of imported goods. Both countries have an enormous incentive to negotiate a mutually beneficial trading relationship.

Ms. Driedger also dismisses complaints about Canadian wildfire smoke. But Canadian wildfires have sent enormous amounts of smoke into the United States. Instead of being offended when Americans complain, perhaps Canadians should ask whether our federal and provincial governments are doing enough regarding forest management, prevention and mitigation.

Finally, I question the wisdom of turning away from our largest trading partner while looking toward countries such as China. Canada should certainly develop additional markets, but the United States remains our closest neighbour, largest trading partner and most important ally.

Donald Trump will not be president forever. Prime ministers come and go as well. The relationship between Canadians and Americans is much bigger than either Donald Trump or Mark Carney.

Mr. Loewen and Ms. Driedger have every right to dislike Donald Trump. They have every right to criticize his policies, his personality and his presidency. But those of us who disagree with them are entitled to the same respect.

We can disagree vigorously without calling people evil, questioning the patriotism of Canadians who vacation across the border, or pretending that our American neighbours have suddenly become our enemies.

They haven’t.

They remain our neighbours, our allies, our friends and, in many cases, our family.

And no politician on either side of the border should be allowed to change that.