No desire for U.S.-style care
Re: Ideology must not replace common sense (Think Tank, Dec. 7); At long last, end in sight for free-market nursing (Dec. 7)
Our public single-payer health-care system (medicare) has for far too long been poorly maintained and is now clearly in need of major repair. The experience of Judy Waytiuk is just one example of many which makes that abundantly clear.
However, let’s be very clear and resolute: we do not want to end up (ever) with anything resembling what they have south of the border. If you think I’m overstating, please read the opinion piece in the New York Times by Dr. Helen Ouyang: “Health insurance shouldn’t be so opaque, up to the whim of different companies.” As she emphatically emphasizes, you do not want to be dealing with private health insurance companies when you are sick.
Moreover, as Dan Lett points out, the fiscal impact of replacing public health-care nursing with “the wild and profitable market for private agency nurses” cannot be underestimated. As has been pointed out many times, health care in the United States is one of the most expensive in the world.
To paraphrase, long live a stable and fully funded and staffed public system.
Gerald Farthing
Winnipeg
Dialogue over destruction
The ongoing Russia-Ukraine conflict is a grim reminder of the devastating consequences of war, particularly when its justification remains unclear. Thousands of lives have been lost, millions displaced and the very fabric of Ukraine has been torn apart. This war, imposed upon the Ukrainian people, has not only devastated their homeland but also left behind a generation questioning the purpose of such relentless bloodshed.
The desertion crisis in the Ukrainian army, with over 30,000 soldiers fleeing their posts, paints a clear picture of growing disillusionment. Young Ukrainians, once eager to defend their homeland, now resist conscription, refusing to participate in what they see as a futile endeavour. As conscription notices go unanswered, the government faces an uphill battle to sustain its military efforts.
It is essential to ask: What has this war achieved, other than untold misery? Ukraine’s population has been decimated, its economy crippled and its social fabric shattered. The rebuilding process, when it begins, will take decades. For what purpose have these sacrifices been made? Who are the real beneficiaries of this conflict?
Globally, wars like these often serve as a lucrative enterprise for arms manufacturers and political opportunists. However, the voices of the disillusioned youth, the grieving families and the displaced millions cannot be ignored. Their cries for peace echo louder than the rhetoric of those who perpetuate conflict.
As a global community, it is imperative that we critically examine the motivations behind such wars. The parallels between Ukraine and other regions embroiled in conflict, such as the ongoing Israel-Hamas war, reveal a disturbing pattern: wars are often fought for power, profit and ideology, with little regard for human suffering.
It is high time for international leaders to prioritize dialogue over destruction. Only then can we hope to restore normalcy to a world increasingly ravaged by senseless wars.
Yog Rahi Gupta
Winnipeg
ER problems nothing new
Re: Closed ERs an unwelcome Christmas present (Editorial, Dec. 12)
I find it interesting that only now during the holiday season, when many Winnipeg citizens will be venturing outside of the perimeter, concerns are being raised about ERs being closed in rural Manitoba.
This is an issue that rural areas deal with on a regular basis. It’s not uncommon for the local ER to be closed when needed, and then requiring a 30 minute plus drive to the nearest ER with the hope you make it on time, and then won’t need to wait hours before seeing a doctor.
Don’t get me wrong. The medical personnel are doing their best with what they have. So much more seems to be needed.
Welcome to health care in rural Manitoba.
Steve Giesbrecht
Altona
Dealing with serial abuse
Re: Saying we care about children vs. putting care into action (Think Tank, Dec. 9)
Where are the social agencies who are very aware of the number of youths being sexually assaulted? Why should I, an 80-year-old volunteer activist, have to struggle to get action on the soul-destroying act of sexual abuse? Social workers, nurses, doctors and teachers need to be reminded that they are required to report any information they have of abuse of children and they can lose their licence if they don’t.
Facilities like Christy Dzikowicz’s Toba Centre, with staff trained to support victims of abuse, make it easier for victims to come forward. However the issues identified by Christy in her article are real. The system does not protect children.
We need an inquiry into sexual abuse, especially serial child sexual abusers. There are many, many serial abusers who continue to groom and lure children, due to the lack of consequences. An inquiry could develop methodologies to hold men accountable and support children who are their victims.
Sel Burrows
Winnipeg
Lock up accused
Re: There are accused who should stay in jail (Think Tank, Dec. 12)
I read Stan Tataryn’s piece with great interest. The background which Mr. Tataryn provides to support his position is compelling and illustrative of the consequences of releasing someone who has randomly attacked someone while on a drug-fuelled rampage.
Incarceration keeps these folks off the streets and also off drugs.
Is this fair to the drug users who perpetuate many of these crimes?
I don’t care. Just keep them off the streets and away from my family.
Tom Pearson
Winnipeg
Longing for better signage
Re: Confusion crossing (Dec. 9)
I found the article by Gabrielle Piché to be timely. My sister and I attended a workshop at St. Mary’s Nursery on Dec. 9 and it was the first time either of us had driven on the new overpass. It was dark and the recent snow stuck to many of the signs.
The orange signs were not helpful as a result of this. I was expecting better signage. From what I could make out of the signs, they provided number ranges for the addresses in a particular direction, not actual business names. We missed the exit turning towards St. Mary’s Road and continued a ways down PR 200.
We used GPS, which was current, but it was still confusing and attention had to be paid to the road and its conditions. The province can’t put the “new and modified” signs up soon enough, since private business signs won’t be approved. Unfortunate, since it would likely be done sooner and provide clearer direction if left to the business owners.
Tracey Alderson
Winnipeg
Dark days
I will try to write a letter to the future but from where I sit it looks kind of dark. And that is of course a product of this past year.
Things have gotten very dark indeed and I fear for the young ones. The ecology has suffered terrible blows from what we have done to it and we can see the results. Will the future ecology be much worse? Yes. And politically this year has gotten darker still and with political upsets and wars and rumours of wars. Very dark indeed. And what of society? Breakdowns in communication, breakdowns in families, homelessness, a drug system that not only addicts people but kills them.
Very dark indeed. So as a senior sitting watching the present, it is difficult to see a brighter future. Until something happens. People have to change.
I know it is said “people never change,” but they have to, and fast. Because that future that we are talking about is coming fast … wait, it is already here. Too late!
Deborah Lasslo
Winnipeg
