Sound Off — Dec. 14, 2016

Hey there, time traveller!
This article was published 14/12/2016 (3383 days ago), so information in it may no longer be current.

Learn about cannabis, Pallister

In response to the article in the Dec. 6 Brandon Sun about Mr. Pallister urging the feds to delay legalizing cannabis. He has no idea what he is talking about. Manitobans and Canadians are being arrested and getting criminal records for consuming a substance that is far less detrimental to our society than alcohol. There is no evidence anyone has died as a result of consuming cannabis but many deaths can be attributed to alcohol and prescription medication. Does he not see that his opinion is just wrong? Also referring to cannabis as marijuana is just evoking a programmed negative response to cannabis. Pallister needs to educate himself before he does these kinds of things.

Next time, pack a snack

Just read some truckers complaining about their treatment when stranded in Virden when the Trans-Canada Highway closed due to the blizzard at the beginning of last week. I’m sorry, but what do you really expect? You were safe off the treacherous highways. It is winter, pack some snacks in your emergency kit. I’m sure you have one since you are a professional driver, right? Instead of complaining, how about a huge thank you to the person who made the call to shut down the highway to keep you alive!

Are you new at this?

Recent CBC news story about truckers storm-bound on the highway near Virden complaining that they didn’t carry any winter clothes in their rigs and the RCMP didn’t bring them any food while they were stranded. What has happened to truckers these days? We’ve always thought of them as a hardy breed who knew that driving on a highway in winter was risky. And now some of them believe there should be a food delivery service when they get stranded.

Support Canadian manufacturers

Does anyone care? A few days ago, I went shopping in three local stores and bought approximately $400 worth of Christmas presents. Once home, I looked at the labels of the presents I bought and found that all of them were made in Asia. Thus, most of the money I spent has gone to a few store owners and a lot of Asian manufacturers, hence my spending has had a minimal effect on supporting the Canadian economy. Our adopted philosophy of “produce all goods off shore to minimize cost and maximize profit” has to change or our manufacturing job market will continue to shrink. Since this action ripples through other sectors of the economy, including government revenues, there will be even fewer jobs in the future for all Canadians. Will Christmas be merry then?

Holiday Train schedule ‘tentative’

Regarding the recent Sound Off, “Shame on you CPR.” I do not work for Canadian Pacific, however I do believe that the railway runs the Holiday Train as an extra (non-scheduled). When they publicize a “tentative” schedule in fall for the train, it is just that. It says that on their website and newspaper postings. A hot intermodal from Vancouver to Montreal or vice versa is always going to trump the Holiday Train.

Judge on the right track

Hats off to Judge Shauna Hewitt-Michta for refusing bail to the person allegedly responsible for terrorizing an innocent family in a home invasion and then shooting at houses. Seeing a judge who isn’t afraid to lay down the heavy hand on these criminals is much appreciated!

Keep domesticated animals inside

To those who own dogs and cats. Please take them inside your home. They are domesticated animals. If you have dogs, keep them in the home, also your cats. They can protect your home better then being outside. Be kind.

Thanks for positive letter

Just want to send a thank you to Lynne Rempel for the letter to the editor on Dec. 7 about the Ninette Sanatorium. I have heard many, many great comments over the years from people who actually were there and worked there. So, Lynne, thank you for setting the record straight.