Saturday’s letters: Trudeau’s fans dismiss his behaviour again – Edmonton Journal

Canada's Prime Minister Justin Trudeau speaks during an election campaign stop in Winnipeg, Manitoba, Canada Sept. 19, 2019. SHANNON VANRAES / REUTERS

I was not surprised to read the letters dismissing Trudeaus blackface costumes. Trudeau has repeatedly shown that he is above right and wrong.

From harassing the attorney general to ignoring the law to protect SNC, to wearing blackface, Trudeau sees no bounds. He also dismissed his B.C. accusers memory. Only when he got caught, does he say his actions were racist.

Yet, his left-wing fans are in full support. This reminds me of Trumps fans. Same dismissal of bad behaviour, behaviour which makes them unfit to lead a country. But their fans dont care. Thats what makes them fans.

We need less fans and more thinking citizens. Otherwise we will continue to get these bad actors. We also need our local Liberal MPs to step up to condemn this behaviour. But, of course, that wont happen.

John Engleder, Sherwood Park

Sometimes we make major stories out of minor items. If you dress as an (old-time) British judge should you not wear a wig of bad macrame, or if you dress as Abe Lincoln should you not wear a beard and a tall hat? Are such things considered offensive to people with beards or hairpieces?

If you dress as Spock, should you not wear pointed ears? If you dress as Belafonte can you not wear brown makeup? Some things are just silly.

For Justin Trudeau, let the past go to the past and let the future speak for itself. Personally, I object to belittling other people and cultures, but overall I ask for common sense, whether it exists or not.

Peter Willott, Seba Beach

What a tragedy if Trudeau is given a pass on his blatant racist act. His apology, in terms of sincerity, is so superficial it ranks with the makeup he used in his racist act.

But in addition to being racially insensitive, this is one more piece in the growing list of indiscretions confirming that Trudeau has no morality. He is all about self-satisfaction and ego and will say or do anything, including repeatedly lying, to achieve what he perceives are in his best interests.

Wayne Smith, Edmonton

What a ridiculous kerfuffle; so a chap went to a fancy-dress party in full dress-up clothes and put on makeup to play the part, and Scheer has hysterics.

Makeup or behaviour used to caricature another person or culture is bad manners, rude and demeaning to the perpetrator, however using makeup to play a part in a theatrical event that is uplifting and fun is part of human culture worldwide.

Unfortunately, in the U.S., the racially intolerant have used parodies and caricaturing specifically against African American citizens to demean them. The attitude to this behaviour now seems to have spread across the continent to the extent that anyone using makeup to play a different role comes under suspicion.

Lets forget all these past events that are now considered politically incorrect but in those days were considered normal behaviour, and fun, and in no sense intended to be demeaning or hurtful.

We have more important countrywide issues to discuss and bringing up these very old items in the middle of an election is pure unadulterated crass opportunism and frankly demeans and discredits these mudslingers.

Adrian Jones, Edmonton

Seems the current leader of this country likes to play dress-up, much like little children do. That of itself is a terrific exercise to help the learning process and fire the imagination of our young ones.

Of course, most kids dont carry this into their adulthood, whether being a school teacher or representing their country in India.

Obviously some never learn about the consequences of insensitive actions or outgrow their childhood games. Shame.

Rick Nenn, Edmonton

I cannot imagine by what process of reasoning, it is necessary to become desperate photo-finders when political offerings are not doing it for you. I wonder how any of the other alleged leaders would have dressed at an Arabian Nights party 10 years ago.

Edna Lerl, Edmonton

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Saturday's letters: Trudeau's fans dismiss his behaviour again - Edmonton Journal