ɫɫ��

So how can the U.S. raise more money without going further into debt?

The only way to accomplish this without raising the deficit and debt even higher is to raise taxes. But Trump knows Americans, especially his supporters, will not stand for the kind of tax increases that he needs. Instead, he will convince them that somehow other countries are going to be paying the tariffs he is imposing on virtually every country in the world. This of course is blatantly false. In fact, it will be Americans who are going to be paying those taxes disguised as tariffs. It is pretty clear that this was always the card that he intended to play.

Michael Liotta, ɫɫ����

Ford should move on from bike lanes to issues of real importance

Judge strikes down Doug Ford’s plan to remove ɫɫ�� bike lanes as unconstitutional, July 30

Premier Doug Ford’s position on the judicial ruling regarding the removal of bike lanes in ɫɫ����is the height of hypocrisy. He says that judges should not be ruling on such issues��based on ideology, but he is the one who is acting based on ideology. Ford believes that drivers of cars are the only legitimate users of the roads, despite the evidence that cycling infrastructure saves lives, does not interfere with emergency service response times and that cyclists can actually increase revenues for adjacent businesses. At the trial, it was noted that the province presented a weak case, based on limited anecdotal evidence. Now Ford wants to waste more of our taxpayer dollars to appeal this ruling, without any better evidence of the rationale for doing so. Ford is acting like a toddler who does not get his treat the first time he asks for it, so now he stamps his feet and lashes out at the judges.

As with so many files, this government does not lead on this issue, it is moving backwards and wasting money. Ford should let this go and move on to issues of real importance to all Ontarians.

Jim Gough, ɫɫ��

Mental health is all about cultural context

UHN abruptly shutters mental health clinic for Chinese Canadians — and former patients and community members are sounding the alarm, July 31

This is just so typical of charities today. When it comes to fundraising, going after diverse cultural markets is deemed “important.” The Star has even reported on record breaking UHN fundraisers such as the Diwali Gala where $1.5 million was raised. But when it comes to offering culturally sensitive services, our diverse communities no longer seem important. As a member of the Chinese Canadian community, I can tell you that context is paramount when it comes to mental health. I make no apology in saying that a Canadian born psychiatrist with no cultural context, while very educated and good at what he or she does, will never understand the nuances that come with being part of the Chinese culture. Mental Health is not just about running lab tests — context is everything. I’m afraid the net result is going to be that many Chinese Canadian immigrants who seek mental health solutions at UHN will end up saying that they tried but would rather forgo treatment because they feel nobody understands their needs. And that is not a benchmark for success. Shame on UHN.

Justin��Poy, ɫɫ��

Why does the Art Gallery of Ontario not offer French translations of exhibits?��

On July 17, my husband and I, visiting from Quebec, went to the Art Gallery of Ontario. While the exhibitions were very interesting, we only found explanations in English, or notable translations into the indigenous language. The employees we asked for information spoke French with difficulty, if they spoke it at all. A kind volunteer approached me on her own to explain a painting. She did everything she could to speak in French, but she wasn’t prepared.

In Quebec, whether you go to a museum in Montreal or Quebec City, ALL the explanations are translated into English.��

Cultural institutions that fail��to provide French translation are narrow-minded��(shame on the AGO) and reveal the lie of a truly bilingual Canada.��

Martine Richard, Longueuil, PQ

RIP Tom Lehrer

Tom Lehrer, song satirist and mathematician, dies at 97, July 28

When reading your obituary of Tom Lehrer, I was shocked to find no reference to his greatest hit —��. You know the one, it starts “There’s antimony, arsenic, aluminum, selenium …”. It literally has everything. We will miss you Tom.

John Gavin, ɫɫ��

A heavy suitcase and a heavier thought

Years ago, while travelling in Germany with my wife, we arrived at a small town’s train station. The platforms were on two levels but there was no elevator. I carried all the suitcases myself, as always, because my wife, though gentle and wise, was never physically strong. A young woman nearby offered to help. Her kindness was sincere — but I gently refused. Not because I didn’t need help.����This has always been my role: to carry not just the bags, but the weight of love and care.

That day, I realized something: Germany, admired around the world for its efficiency and order, still left people like us behind. No ramp. No elevator. No way for my wife, in her condition, to move freely. I’ve travelled across Canada, my adopted home, and never once found a train station without an elevator when platforms were high or low. Quietly, without praise, Canada builds for dignity and inclusion, not just speed or tradition.

Chinese media often admire German engineering, and much of it deserves respect. But when it comes to the dignity of aging, the quiet strength of caregivers, and the thoughtful design for all, I believe North America — especially Canada — gets it right.

Zhao, Yang Jun, Richmond Hill