I was browsing the Hamilton Spectator today just to keep apprised of what’s going on around town and country and such. As always I read the letters received and two of them really stood out (read: made me go Whiskey Tango Foxtrot are you thinking). As such I thought I would share them and what I would say to the writers. Read on, enjoy and feel free to respond as well. You can read the Letters June 8th, 2007 to see I’m not making this up.
Letter the first:
Fund private schools
By REMOVED, Stoney Creek
The Hamilton Spectator
(Jun 7, 2007)
I am ashamed that my Ontario government does not provide funding for families that send their children to private schools. This is in violation of our federal Charter of Rights, which states, “every individual is equal before and under the law and has the right to the equal protection and equal benefit of the law without discrimination and, in particular, without discrimination based on race, national or ethnic, colour, religion, sex, age or mental or physical disability.”
As a Christian living in a country founded on Christian beliefs, I struggle daily with being discriminated against. Funding our public and Roman Catholic school systems, but failing to fund private schools, is discrimination. I don’t advocate removal of funding from our Catholic system, but I don’t understand why other school choices should be discriminated against. By refusing to fund private schools, more students are forced to attend public schools because their parents are unable to pay for the private education.
This has been justified by arguments saying that, by funding private schools, the public system will lose its ability to meet the needs of students. This is false. Looking at Catholic schools, it is evident the public system is not affected by having the government funding split.
Funding the current private institutions would lessen the load on the public and Catholic systems, allowing a more desirable situation overall. Private schools in Ontario are having their rights trampled. British Columbia, Alberta, Saskatchewan, Manitoba, Quebec and Newfoundland fund private schools. The Ontario government needs to reverse its position on this issue.
My response: You’re kidding me right? First of all, let’s stop right here with using the Charter of Rights and Freedoms to make your cause seem worthy. You’re equal, yes, no one has said you’re not. How exactly is it discrimination under the charter if PRIVATE schools don’t receive funding? (You didn’t prove your point. Unfortunately just stating it, does not make it true.) I’m sorry to inform you, but PRIVATE schools are just that PRIVATE. Since not everyone can attend…there’s no reason why my tax dollars should go to your kid’s private school. I’m sorry, I’m not going to pay for that. Also, are you talking about private schools or Christian schools. Last I checked Catholicism was part of Christianity, or did my Catholic school education steer me wrong?
OK that’s it for letter one.
Letter the second:
Companies outsourcing our jobs to other countries
By REMOVED, Hamilton
The Hamilton Spectator
(Jun 7, 2007)
Today I had occasion to phone Bell Canada. The young lady had an East Indian accent. I asked her where is she located in India, she replied just east of New Delhi.
So Ma Bell is outsourcing our calls to India. Not only our phone business but also Sympatico Internet service calls.
Another time I phoned a different Internet company, and that call was answered from the Philippines.
Is it any wonder workers in Canada are losing their jobs?
Companies eager to get our money for their services or products outsource our jobs to other countries, not because we are unable to do the job but because it is much cheaper for them elsewhere.
My response: This one is right up there with the Bushisms we all make fun of. You’re telling me companies outsource because it’s cheaper? You’re kidding me! I thought it was because we really don’t have people who are prepared to answer the technical questions posed of Bell Support and many other companies. Those people in India and the Philippines must be so much better trained than people here. It’s not hard to believe though. I’m sure the writer of this letter is one of those people that go shopping for technology and start the conversation with “I don’t know anything about ______.” Way to have some confidence. Oh and yes it is cheaper to outsource…take a WILD guess why almost everything says “Made in China.”
That’s it for this letter too. Now it’s your turn, leave your comments, tell me what you think.
