Wastewater data
Regarding ‘Hamilton still rejects wastewater tool’ (March 8): I’d like to commend Joanna Frketich for her diligent reporting on the City of Hamilton’s rejection of wastewater surveillance for COVID-19. Despite her efforts, it’s hard to know what the hold up is. Other cities are using it, the province is encouraging it and experts have said wastewater surveillance is an important tool, especially as testing remains limited. I realize reporting on COVID-19 cases may no longer be as meaningful to some, but for members of our community who are more vulnerable to COVID-19’s effects, transmission rate can still be key data, not just the lagging indicators of hospital capacity and deaths. Governments continue to claim “protecting the vulnerable” is a priority, and wastewater surveillance seems to be a significant component of that effort.
Kenney is helping
Much as I disagree with Premier Jason Kenney about what he’s done in regard to COVID mandates, he is a premier actually doing something to help the people in his province. Perhaps we could get Doug Ford to give us the same breaks. Such a simple thing. Take 13 per cent from gas prices and a hydro rebate, too, what a concept! The people deserve and need a break. Ford has started on the right path by getting rid of yearly licence stickers and rebating those of us who kept them up during COVID. Let’s see if he will help us in other ways.
Gas price scam
North America has huge oil and natural gas reserves. The vast majority of people don’t know the price of fuel is driven by the price of oil, bought today, delivered two-three months from now, as April-May futures. Companies use futures contracts to lock in a guaranteed price for raw materials such as oil. Therefore, if the price of oil for May is set today, why does the price of gasoline go up every day? Does the cost of your completed new home go up after construction because the price of wood went up? The one per cent are getting filthy rich while the average person needs to decide to feed their families or continue to drive daily.
Nursing praise
I spent a week in Juravinski Hospital and was a nurse for 35-plus years. It was rewarding to see the baton passed to a new generation of intelligent dedicated professionals. These are difficult times, but we will always need the TLC and kindness provided.
To the anti-vaxxers, you are very selfish people. Get vaxxed. We know everyone needs help these days but let’s keep some locally for our hospitals. You too may need their services sometime soon.
Pride flag
Regarding ‘Pride flag vote illuminating’ (March 9): Although I am encouraged by the Hamilton-Wentworth Catholic District School Board’s recent decision to fly the Pride flag in June, I am not surprised by board chair Pat Daly’s opposition.
As the teacher lead for the positive space group at a large public high school in Hamilton, I interact with many students of varied sexual orientations. I often hear stories of their struggles with mental health and marginalization. As a result, the high percentage of these students currently experiencing trauma is much higher than among the student body as a whole.
By flying the Pride flag, the HWCDSB is taking the first step in giving its LGBTQ students the validation to which they are entitled and have failed to receive for so long. It is only by doing so, that it can move toward upholding the ideals of acceptance and inclusivity which the Catholic faith claims to value.
Doomsday clock
Nuclear war and climate change are our greatest existential threats. Prior to the attack on Ukraine, I believed that climate change, though less immediate, was the greater threat. The attack on Ukraine has jolted me, and reawakened anxious memories of the Cuban Missile Crisis and “Doctor Strangelove.” We have been to the brink before, but cooler heads have prevailed. Nuclear war, once unthinkable, is no longer when we have unpredictable, irrational madmen like Putin, driven not by reason but narcissism and egomania. The hands of the doomsday clock are moving again. For the sake of humanity let’s pray it doesn’t strike midnight.
What about kitty?
Regarding the Indiana boy rescued while trying to help the cat: While I’m glad the boy made it safely down, the article didn’t say if the cat did. How frustrating for us animal lovers not to know the fate of the cat!
