Olympic anger
I've been anti-Olympics all along, because there are so many more important things on which to spend tax-
Canadians, all Canadians
I am not mad, I am simply sad, sad because the Canadian story, told through the 2010 opening ceremonies, did not include Chinese Canadians, who helped build the country by building the railway. There is no question the show was visually spectacular, but the multicultural element of the country was virtually invisible. Canada's ethnic minorities are constantly reminded that we have played, and are playing an ever-increasing role in our nation of many cultures, that we are all equal.
So the whole world can hear
The musical presentations at the opening ceremonies were punctuated by extremes: some excellent, some horrendous.
So the whole world can hear
Why do performers who've been given the honour of singing their national anthem at important events feel they have to jazz it up to the point where it almost becomes unrecognizable? Whatever happened to singing our national anthem the proper way, standing straight, head up and in a manner that inspires Canadians to sing their hearts out?
So the whole world can hear
I am a proud father of three, and grandfather of seven. We all gathered to watch the opening ceremonies and stood up to join in the singing of O Canada , but we could not. We always thought of the national anthem as an expression of national pride - the people's song. At the Games' opening, it was the singer's song.
So the whole world can see
How unfortunate that a well-intentioned wordsmith, Shane Koyczan, announced at the opening ceremonies that Canadians are distinguished by the fact we say "please" and "thank you," genteel nation that we are. The implication was that other nations - specifically the Americans - may not share this trait.
So the whole world can judge
Olympic organizers have added "more danger and speed" to the Games "to attract a larger television audience" (Higher, Stronger And More Dangerous - Feb. 13). In other words, lives are being risked to sell more ads. Our shining hour, indeed.
Modern Games
The Globe's coverage of the travels of the Olympic torch across Canada has been inspiring. It was the first thing I turned to every morning; it gave readers a perfect sense of our wonderful country.
So the whole world can hear
Nikki Yanofsky and her handlers need be reminded that no one is bigger than our national anthem.
So the whole world can see
Wayne Gretzky and Steve Nash lit the flame, and Bryan Adams performed. All accomplished individuals, no question, but not one of the three has lived in Canada for many years. Couldn't we have found people who actually make their home (and their living) here?
So the whole world can judge
VANOC's and the International Luge Federation's rush to pin blame on Nodar Kumaritashvili for his own death is callous and profoundly unsportsmanlike.
The long and shorter of it
Your reviewer of the book Manhood (For Members Only - Books, Feb. 13) says it's "a bit surprising" the book was taken on by the University of Chicago Press, adding, "Maybe it was the press that insisted on the subtitle, The Rise and Fall of the Penis " because it "required a heavy academic thesis in order to merit publishing." He does think it possible "the title is an editor's wry joke."
So the whole world can see
When I sat down to watch the opening ceremonies of the Vancouver Olympic Winter Games, I approached them with the usual Canadian insecurity and struggle to understand our collective identity and place in the world. A feeling even of trepidation. Instead, I witnessed an incredibly elegant visual spectacle - a celebration of our founding nations, our proud history and our rich culture. The celebration was at once traditional and respectful but also brash, contemporary and unabashedly Canadian.
So the whole world can judge
Shame on VANOC for blaming Georgian luger Nodar Kumaritashvili for his tragic death while conveniently absolving themselves of responsibility (Blame Game Explodes Over Luger's Fatal Crash - Feb. 14).
What readers think
Feb. 15: Letters to the editor
Today’s topics: responsibility in a luger’s fatal crash; O Canada at the Olympics; apologizing for vandalism; the torch relay’s inspiration ... and more
What readers think
Feb. 14: Letters to the editor
Today's topics: Praise and protest at the Games; O Canada; the Charter; love ... and more
What readers think
Feb. 13: Letters to the editor
Olympic tragedy; Kahnawake conundrum; real estate sales; Haiti's slow progress; surnames ... and more
What readers think
Feb. 12: Letters to the editor
The Mounties and Tommy Douglas; real-estate roulette; the Go, Canada! Games; Sex, lies and gender ... and more
What readers think
Feb. 11: Letters to the editor
Today's topics: First Nations University, dyspeptic cynicism, the view from the pew, prostate polemics, the Middle East, swimming with the fishes, customer relations ... and more
What readers think
Feb. 10: Letters to the editor
Today's topics: a respected colonel; Buy American; alienated children; PSA tests ... and more
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