Letters: tariffs will cause upheaval

Re Paul Schratz’ Feb. 10 column “The case for a Just Tariff theory”:

I am appalled that he actually suggested tariffs might be a good idea. He failed to mention that Canada, Mexico, and the U.S. currently have a trade agreement in place, set to expire in 2026. Trump doesn’t seem to care about this agreement. 

The threat of imposing such massive tariffs would only cause economic upheaval in both countries. The reasons cited by President Donald Trump—fact-checked by CNN and other neutral news sources—are grossly exaggerated lies. Last year, U.S. Customs and Border Protection seized approximately 43 pounds of illicit drugs. Illegal immigration to the U.S. via Canada is a fraction of the illegal crossings at the southern border.

The rule of law appears to be taking a back seat in the U.S., and Canadians from coast to coast—including many who are not Trudeau supporters—are standing firm against the tyranny caused by the sitting president. Even Alberta Premier Danielle Smith now seems to be aligning with the other premiers in a unified stance.

Canada is taking a more serious approach to securing our own borders with the U.S. However, our court system and the Charter of Rights and Freedoms need reform to address the serious inconsistencies in the laying of criminal drug charges and obtaining necessary convictions.

Martin Askew
Kelowna

Re Father Ho’s Jan. 20 column “On keeping silent in the face of injustice”:

The call to remain silent in the face of injustice needs further explanation and discussion.

First, it is always right to stand up for a fellow human being when he or she is being treated unfairly. Our justice system also depends on people testifying as witnesses.

When our home is broken into, when someone steals from us or attacks us, should we simply stay quiet?

What if the person who crashes into our car is a fellow Catholic? Should we only settle out of court? Should we not report it?

What if someone spreads lies, damaging our reputation? Should we stay silent?

Isn’t it better to seek a trusted person to mediate, help us confront the issue, and work toward a fair resolution?

Marianne Werner
Vancouver

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