Madman Across the Border
Dear Editor:
On March 17, Rep. Michael Baumgartner faced a hostile crowd at a town hall at Whitworth University in Spokane, where many voters were upset about U.S. President Donald Trump’s actions during his first few months in office.
One woman asked: “I’ve been in Spokane for 39 years, from New Jersey. I’ve never been involved in politics before, but this is gettin’ really scary. So, the things that frighten me is the way this insane president talks about Canada as a 51st state, taking Panama by force, and buying Greenland. How does this person qualify as sane? Why is he not being impeached, right now?”
Letter writer Grant Maxwell (March 12) suggests: “Perhaps he (Elton John) could rewrite his song Madman Across the Water, changing it to Madman Across the Border!”
As Elton John and Bernie Taupin (who wrote the lyrics for the majority of Elton’s songs) may not have read Mr. Maxwell’s letter, here is my offering:
Madman Across the Border
I can see very well
There’s a man on TV with an orange glow
And I can see him very well
There’s a grift and I know it very well
It’s one of those I foretold so long ago
Take my word, he’s a madman, don’t you know
Now a fool has a yuge part in the play
It is so, and he is still there today
It’s quite peculiar in a chaos sort of way
They think he’s very normal, everything he say
Get a load of him, he’s so insane
You better check your stocks, bro, it feels like pain
He’ll golf again next Saturday afternoon
Then Fox Newz hopes to see him very soon
But is it in his conscience with his orders
Another glimpse of the madman across the border
I can see very well
There’s a fool on the hill with a Diet Coke
And I can see him very well
Then he spoke and I know them very well
Impose tariffs for his reality show
Take my word, he’s a madman, don’t you know
The ketchup dripped a long way down the wall
Is the nightmare white, are Tesla windows painted?
Will they cut more jobs next week, can America take it?
He’ll golf again next Sunday afternoon
The trips to Mars will happen very soon
But is it in his conscience with his orders
Another glimpse of the madman across the border
David Buckna
Kelowna
B.C. Ferries dropping the ball
Dear Editor:
An open question to The Government of B.C. and B.C. Ferries.
With the current economy in B.C. and Canada threatened by unfair and punitive tariffs from our former best friends (U.S.A.) I have to ask the question as to why we would build the 4 new ferries that were approved offshore.
With an anticipated cost of well over 1 billion dollars, as well as all of the tertiary costs, why would we not put this money into our own economy?
The jobs created in B.C. and Canada would certainly give some security to not only our shipbuilding industry but to our steel, aluminum and technological sectors as well.
Even if the cost is 25-30% higher, the taxes collected and the infusion of capital in local and national economies would offset most if not all of the highest costs.
We certainly have the ability, facilities and technology to build these ships (in country) and the lack of faith and foresight by both our Government and the Ferry Corporation verges on despicable.
If it is my tax dollars at work (and it is) I would certainly rather see my money spent in Canada on and for Canadian industry and Canadian workers than in Poland or Romania.
It makes no sense whatsoever to not use our world class facilities and workforce and to create jobs and stand behind our own workers and industries.
Lorne M. Burns
Penticton
Trudeau scored high marks
Dear Editor:
From the time I came to this country as a young, Italian immigrant, I have noticed several strange things happening in Canadian politics.
The game of politics is often confusing, somewhat nonsensical and sometimes it seems unfair. As there is a Federal election coming up this month, there are some things that I am looking for answers to.
For the last number of years, Justin Trudeau has been Prime Minister, although he is no longer. I felt that he fulfilled his obligations well during that time. With Marc Carney now assuming the PM’s position, who knows what will happen. When Justin Trudeau was our leader, several positive things happened. He was a good, Canadian man. Some of his successes were:
• Legalization of recreational marijuana. A landmark policy implemented in 2018;
• Managing the COVID pandemic: His government’s response is viewed positively by most Canadians;
• Social programs expansion: Initiatives like Canada Child Benefit and dental care have significantly impacted poverty reduction
• Gender equity: Appointed a Cabinet with 50% women and increased female representation in the Supreme Court;
• Climate change efforts: Focused on advancing policies to combat climate change;
• Collaborated on the free trade agreement between Canada, Mexico and the U.S.
There is much flux between Canada and the U.S. as I write this. There are bullying tactics shown by Donald Trump. He seems to want the Free Trade agreement to disintegrate and is threatening gross tariffs.
With the upcoming election there seems to be some divergent positions by various political leaders. Pierre Poilievre’s attitude would seem to be somewhat in line with Trump’s. His words, sometimes parallel those of Trump. This upsets me in many ways. Poilievre promises to “cure the ills” created by Trudeau and the Liberals, but doesn’t say how he would accomplish this. He makes bold statements about the welfare of Canadians and what he could do to protect them.
Based on the terrible record of the present city council, Helena Konanz is not, in my opinion, qualified to be our MP.
Please think before talking, before spending, before judging and before giving. Think before voting.
Franco DeMichelis
Penticton
Government must save jobs at HBC
Dear Editor:
The Bay department store chain, also known as HBC (Hudson’s Bay Company), is nearly $1 billion in debt. Canada’s oldest department store, began liquidating 90 of its 96 stores, triggering widespread distress among its workforce and affiliated small businesses.
As well, HBC will pay up to $3 million total in retention bonuses to 121 managers and executives -- but will not pay severance to its more than 9,300 workers, most of whom will soon lose their jobs. Also at stake are pensions, health benefits and long-term disability supports, which according the lawyer representing the employees, affects a group of people that are “extremely vulnerable as they cannot work and are highly dependent on their long-term disability benefits for their livelihoods.”
Hudson’s Bay filed for court protection on March 7 to shield itself from creditors while seeking financing. Unfortunately, the workers of HBC are only entitled to a maximum of $8,800 severance under the federal Wage Earner Protection Program Act, no matter if they worked there for 50 years of their life. That’s a pittance. Furthermore, disabled employees that HBC had been supporting may also be cut off. In addition to employees, small businesses that operated inside Bay stores also face losses.
HBC has all but given up on saving the 90 stores that are closing, and is barely clinging on to hope it can save six stores. As it stands, the courts will close the remaining stores by April 8. Several of Hudson’s Bay’s senior secured lenders — Bank of America, Pathlight Capital and Restore Capital — are eager to take first dibs of their debt back.
Why do patriotic Canadians allow the Bank of America to shut down North America’s oldest company? The government should step in like they during the 2008 economic crisis that Mark Carney presided over, after the government bailed out the banking industry to the tune of hundreds of millions of dollars (with a temporary loan) recently.
Robert Nelly
Lake Country
What happened to manners?
Dear Editor:
This is a two-part situation.
Situation Part One:
On my way to run errands, this Gen X or, possibly Boomer-aged male was walking the opposite direction to me on a narrow sidewalk. I was editing a comment and was on my side of the sidewalk. Instead of saying excuse me or just even simply stepping off the sidewalk for a moment to go around me (it’s a non-busy street I was on) like a polite man would do, this person chooses to invade my personal space by clapping his hands loudly once in my face and says loudly with this huge, smug, self-satisfied, grin, “Look up!” I absolutely told him off.
After I told him off, him looking back at me as I was doing so, he let out a self-satisfied laugh.
There was plenty of space for the both of us, but he chose to do that.
Situation Part Two:
Walking home, another male, also either a Fen X or a Boomer, was riding his bike on the wrong side of the sidewalk (I was walking on the highway sidewalk as that’s where home is).
Bikes are to be ridden on the right-hand side same as vehicles. I again, was walking on the correct side. This person chooses to not go around me and instead throws his breaks on and yells at me for following the road rules telling me to watch where I was going. He was literally inches from my face.
Yes, I was on my phone, but I was absolutely not in his way. I was exactly where I should have been and I was yelled at for no reason at all.
He could clearly see where I was, but chose to not follow the road rules.
Male Gen Xers and Boomers need to learn to stop being this way, learn manners, stop being entitled, and obey road rules. Most of all, leave women alone!
Celeste Knight
Kelowna
Great results by working together
Dear Editor:
Like most of us I have been pondering the Canadian/U.S. relationship and how some people don’t believe not buying American products will make any difference.
It brought to mind when I was 12-years old my father took myself and my three younger brothers down to the docks in Vancouver. We stood next to a very large freighter that towered above us.
My father told us if we all pushed together we could move that ship. You can imagine our skepticism. He talked all of us into leaning against that cold steal hull and applying pressure. After a few minuets, much to our amazement, that ship started to move away from the dock.
I believe If we all work together and apply constant pressure we can move ships, we can move mountains and we can move countries.
Dean Schellenberg
Penticton
Ignite the Arts: a great festival
Dear Editor:
March 28-30 was the Ignite the Arts Festival in Penticton and it was truly a raging success.
Music filled the air. Actors shared creative moments. Venues all over downtown, and further afield, were packed with happy, dancing, singing people, young and old.
The bars and restaurants served high quality food and libations with grace and friendliness. The musicians performed excellent gigs.The volunteers helped get tickets, find events, buy beautiful merch, and they made everything run smoothly.
We all have to give a great cheer of thanks to Paul Crawford, Julie Fowler, and all the Penticton Art Gallery and venue staff and volunteers that made the weekend a wonderful time of culture and comradery.
Thank you a million times Penticton Art Gallery for art, music, culture and huge fun. Sponsors get applause and are encouraged to support Ignite the Arts in 2026.
I can’t wait to do it again!
Lori Goldman
Penticton
Let’s assert our non-U.S. identity
Dear Editor:
Let’s assert our non-American identity. We drive kilometres on Canadian car “tyres” in Canadian-made vehicles.
Instead of Canadian Tire let’s change to Canadian Tyre.
Go Canada go!
Steve Burke
West Kelowna
Kindness, honesty of strangers
Dear Editor:
I would like to thank the person who turned my fanny pack into customer service at the Penticton Safeway store on Tuesday, April 1. I had carelessly left it in my shopping cart in the parking lot at Safeway.
Certainly a strong reminder to myself that fanny packs are to be worn around my waist and no place else. Thank you again, for your kindness and honesty.
Arleen Maeck
Penticton
Canada/U.S. relationship will never be the same
Dear Editor:
Remember in 2018 when Shadow Finance Minister Pierre Poilievre criticized Justin Trudeau for purchasing the Trans Mountain pipeline when Kinder Morgan abandoned the project? I wonder if Poilievre will now acknowledge the foresight demonstrated by the Liberal government at that time.
Trudeau stated at the time the need to develop new markets in light of the U.S. trade inconsistencies. The Liberals then opened new tariff-free trade agreements with the E.U., Japan, South Korea, and China.
I believe that Trump had a plan to change the complete global trade process, no matter the cost to other countries. When a country’s economy is not doing well the leaders of that country tend to pick an overseas fight. This tendency has backfired on Trump.
I believe the economic relationship between Canada and the United States will never be the same. Allies require trust and consistency, and this is not assured any longer. Canada has already developed new markets, thus reducing and/or eliminating our dependence on the U.S. in many fields. Trump’s tariffs will gain the U.S. new allies, including Russia.
I also believe that Trump is catered to by the tech giants who are fearful of Trump’s ability to reduce their power – thus they must support him to maintain control of the world finances no matter the cost to the U.S. The American dollar is losing world confidence as the world currency because of Trump’s policies and the tech giants couldn’t care less if the U.S. republic is destroyed, as long as their wealth is protected.
We are witnessing the demise of the U.S. as the world’s foremost economic power and it must be followed by a reduction of military power (a bankrupt country can’t afford a military) – unless Trump and his enablers are removed.
Patrick MacDonald
Kelowna
Are bike lanes indeed safer?
Dear Editor:
The latest submission by Brian Butler hits the nail on the head. In it, he points out that the old adage of “haste makes waste” directly applies to the current fervor over the bike lanes in Penticton. Until recent times, there have been no real issues as to bike safety in the city.
All the hoopla re: advantages to bike lane installation has been from the perception of a few somewhat narrow-minded councillors and staff, so it seems.
A petition of approximately 2,500 concerned citizens regarding the proposed bike lane project was not acknowledged by anyone at the city level. Along with that petition there were several small group presentations made to appropriate city departments. Several constructive suggestions were put forward by these groups. However, these seemed to fall on “deaf ears.”
One of the original premises for the establishment of bike lanes, aside from the extolled benefits to health, was the fact that downtown traffic would be much less congested; parking problems would be minimized and more people would have better access to downtown businesses.
The downtown traffic has not abated, the parking problems haven’t improved much and the plethora of bikes using the “Golden Cash Highway” has not happened. If, as Matt Hopkins says, that their Penticton and Area Cycling Association group has 2,500 members, where are they? I would be very surprised if the bike lanes have been used by 5 or 6% of the aforementioned cyclists. “Build it and they will come,” doesn’t seem to apply here.
The implementation of bike lanes was to make biking safe for all ages and abilities. While the concept might have merit, why do we need bike lanes for safety improvement if, up to the opening of these lanes, no significant accidents were recorded? Since bike lane implementation we have recorded three accidents, one with serious consequences. This hardly addresses the safety factor concept. Overall, in the past, it would seem that painted lines have a better safety record than barricaded bike lanes.
In light of these recent accidents, hopefully, it will not take more serious consequences to make the higher ups realize that spending tons of money on make-work projects is more folly than reality.
Keep in mind that the upcoming byelection on Saturday could well make a difference in perspective as to further bike lane development. Please get out and vote!
Ron Barillaro
Penticton
Trump’s tariffs could be blessing in disguise
Dear Editor:
Retired bank economist David Bond recently published a piece portraying Donald Trump as a “mafia don” bullying Canada into submission (March 29). But before we grab the pitchforks and demand G7 relocations, we should ask a tougher question: who’s actually looking after Canada?
Trump may be brash, even crude, but he is doing exactly what national leaders are elected to do — put their own people first. What Canada has lacked for the past decade is exactly that: leadership that defends the interests of everyday Canadians, rather than chasing international approval and reckless spending.
Bond warns about tariffs under a second Trump term. But why are we more concerned about external tariffs than the internal trade walls between our own provinces? For many businesses — like my winery — it’s often easier to sell into the U.S. than into another Canadian province. Trump isn’t the one holding Canadian entrepreneurs back. Our own system is.
And while Bond worries about American “bullies,” he ignores the oligopoly here at home. The Big Five banks dominate Canadian finance like a cartel — protected from competition, shielded by regulation, and free to raise rates and fees with little resistance. If we’re talking about market manipulation and control, Bay Street is where the real story lies.
Bond also heaps praise on Mark Carney, Canada’s would-be financial saviour and unofficial Liberal advisor — who has now been appointed as Prime Minister by the Liberal Party following Justin Trudeau’s resignation, without a single vote cast by Canadians. Carney may impress at Davos, but under Trudeau and Carney, Canada has doubled its debt and fallen to last in GDP growth among 40 developed countries. That’s not visionary leadership — it’s economic negligence.
He then goes after Alberta Premier Danielle Smith for defending her province. But defending provincial interests is literally her job. The real threat to national unity is a federal government that suppresses growth, overregulates industry, and labels anyone who challenges the system as disloyal.
Here’s the truth: Trump’s tariffs — while inconvenient — might be a blessing in disguise. They force us to confront our internal dysfunction: protectionist provinces, bloated institutions, and policies that punish success. If they push Canada to reform its broken systems, they’ll end up helping us far more than they hurt.
It’s time to stop pretending Canada is a victim and start acting like a sovereign nation with untapped potential. That starts by calling out our own monopolies, cutting red tape, and electing leaders who put Canadians first.
If we’re going to talk about bullies, let’s start with the ones on our own playground.
Ron Kubek
Summerland
Highway repair should be at night
Dear Editor:
Out of unmitigated frustration, I feel compelled to comment on the current roadwork being conducted on Highway 97 between Penticton and Summerland. The businesses and residents of the Southern Interior have endured countless interruptions to movement through this only, and vital, highway corridor for more than a decade now. The recent salvo being fired at them by the Ministry of Transportation is just adding insult to injury. Why on earth could the government not have compelled the contractor to perform the current roadwork being undertaken during the night when the highway is not heavily used?
One has only to weigh the economic impact, loss of human productivity, and damage to the environment -- to name just a few -- against whatever little cost difference there would be to do this work at night to realize that it makes absolutely no sense to conduct this work during the daytime hours.
Tim Keilty
Summerland
Making sense of mysteries of life
Dear Editor:
It’s said in unsettling times you have to have faith.
But what is it and where do you find it? Could be it’s that force or incentive that keeps one going or makes sense in this mystery of life.
Seems each has to believe in something. It has to be found by one’s own efforts. Personal responsibility. In this respect, spring seems an ideal time to spend with Mother Nature and admire her faith as all creation in it’s own order beautifully comes to fruition.
Joe Schwarz
Penticton
