April 30: Jama should concentrate on local issues, MPP should follow the rules and other letters to the editor

In the news as of late, we have a politician who will not follow the rules. This politician is very concerned about Palestine and shows her passion. Let’s concentrate on perfecting and improving Canada before we try to tell other countries how to run their homes. In my opinion, an elected politician is supposed to take care of their constituents first, then other Canadians and then worry about other countries. Remember, as a politician you are a Canadian first and then an elected official for your area. Do your job, help fix what’s in front of you and take care of your constituents. By doing this, your time will be spent productively. Your constituents come first.

Sam Speakman, Hamilton

MPP needs to refocus

MPP Sara Jama states “my job is to be political.” Wrong. Her job is to represent the citizens of Hamilton Centre.

Katharine Edmonds, Hamilton

Jama should follow the rules

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• Dec 31, 1969

• Dec 31, 1969

I am so tired of reading and hearing about MPP Sarah Jama’s immature behaviour and non-compliance in following long-standing rules. There are numerous positions where you cannot display or present your political opinion. She feels justified in saying it is her job to be political. There is a big difference in being political and in being controversial, antagonistic, immature and unwilling to follow the rules. I recommend an immediate course in ethics.

Jan Peirson-Reid, Carlisle

Accept the consequences

I am not clear on what constitutes a political symbol in the legislature, but if the keffiyeh is on that list, then that is the rule that must be followed. If people think it should be taken off the list, then I am quite sure there is a process for that. Being openly defiant as MPP Sarah Jama is, is her right, but she should accept the consequences of her choice. That is basic life. Every choice has a consequence.

Sharon McKibbon, Hamilton

Turn off your phones

I went to see a movie at the Burlington Silvercity Cinema. I don’t understand why at least three different people near me went on their cellphones periodically through the movie, distracting and disturbing anyone sitting nearby or behind them. I really don’t get how inconsiderate people can be. I’m sure in normal situations these people are very nice people. Part of the pleasure of going out to the movies has been participating in a shared experience with others. Now, though, the experience has become frustrating and disappointing. Are those people who are lighting up the theatre with the light from their phones unaware of the impact on everyone behind them? I just don’t get it.

Marjorie Hewitt, Grimsby

U.S. no longer a serious country

Here’s the thing about banana republics. Most of the world’s banana republics know they’re banana republics. There’s no pretense. They know they’re corrupt, undemocratic places run by cults of personality, where the law shifts to meet the needs of the powerful.

We’re now living next door to a country that doesn’t realize it’s become a banana republic.

On Thursday, a lawyer stood in front of the country’s highest court and with a straight face said a president should be able to assassinate a rival or sell nuclear secrets for personal gain with impunity. And instead of laughing the lawyer out of court for the ridiculousness of such a statement, a group of the supposed brightest judges in the country instead said, “Now hold on a second, let’s hear him out, he may have a point.”

The U.S. is no longer a serious country. Unfortunately, it’s no laughing matter for the rest of the world.

Steve Buist, Burlington

Speed change inviting disaster

Regarding the less than necessary increased speed limits on some Ontario highways: In case of emergency, just bring the broom and dust pan.

John H. Miller, Hamilton

Wild west on our roads

Over the last three weeks as I have driven the QEW Niagara, the number of vehicles travelling at excessive speeds up the right lane, cutting you off, and then weaving into the left lane with not a brake light in sight is astonishing! They then continue to repeat the pattern back and forth, in the midst of busy traffic which, in itself, is moving at a fast pace.

I saw no sign of any law enforcement vehicles in my travels and feel like I was in a version of the wild west where no rules apply.

Pam Annable, Hamilton