Advertisement 1

Today's letters: Terrorist leader Al-Zawahri and extra-judicial killings

Thursday, Aug. 4: On al-Qaida; de-amalgamating Ottawa; Shopify's admission. You can write to us too, at letters@ottawcitizen.com

Article content

Our goal should be justice, not revenge

Re: This terrorist leader is no more, Aug. 2. 

Article content

One of the most notable differences between terrorist organizations and the law-enforcement agencies of countries that respect the rule of law is the importance of a trial. In law-respecting countries, even the worst criminals get a trial; mass murderers, drug-traffickers, even those accused of genocide, are captured when possible, given lawyers if needed, and tried. Terrorist organizations generally focus on killing those they regard as enemies; trial is not required. Terrorists confuse revenge with justice and celebrate extrajudicial killings. The right to a fair trial and the right to a legal defence are our protection from our governments.

Advertisement 2
Story continues below
Article content

Al-Qaida leader Ayman Al-Zawahri was a terrible man who deserves no pity. Al-Qaida is now a flexible organization that will recover quickly from the loss. U.S. President Joe Biden describes Al-Zawahri’s death as a victory for anti-terrorism.

I wonder. The world’s strongest power’s growing reliance on extra-judicial killings and extraordinary rendition endangers us all. Each such act is a small victory for terrorism. Rule-of-law countries should be trying to show terrorists that we are not like them. Justice, rather than revenge, should always be our goal.

David Parnas, Ottawa

The Pope comported himself well

Re: Mixed feelings swirl around Pope’s visit, July 29.

Throughout his historic pilgrimage in Canada, Pope Francis conducted himself with the humility, compassion and courage which have been the hallmarks of his remarkable papacy.

As for his critics, the old joke seems appropriate. Pope Francis could walk on water, and they’d complain that he could not swim.

Michael Kaczorowski, Ottawa

Ottawa needs special governance

Re: Admit it: Ottawa’s impossible to govern, July 30.

Advertisement 3
Story continues below
Article content

A large city, especially a nation’s capital, requires planners who can see the big picture instead of just fighting fires. This city lacks such a team.

However, we should be cognizant that this is the capital and as such should be managed by a national body, whether it is the NCC or a federal commission of some sort.

Therefore, while de-amalgamating the suburbs, the centre of Ottawa-Gatineau should be governed by this body in order to expedite issues that currently require approval by so many levels of government and end up with no action, such as 24 Sussex Drive.

We must take pride in the nation’s capital. If we maintain the status quo, progress will be limited.

Nona Nalley, Orléans

De-amalgamation is worth a look

I believe that the so-called warring factions at city hall are more accurately a reflection of the differences in size and make-up of the respective wards. Bringing those differences to bear on council deliberations is just responsible and pertinent representation.

I do not know if it is possible to undo amalgamation, but it may well be worth a look.

John A. Beggs, Orléans

Shopify boss for prime minister

Re: ‘I got this wrong:’ Shopify CEO announces plan to lay off 10 per cent of staff, July 26.

Just wondering if anyone took notice of the CEO’s comment: “I got this wrong.” Goodness! Someone with the guts to admit he made a mistake. Run this guy for prime minister!

Erin Scullion, Ottawa

Article content
Comments
You must be logged in to join the discussion or read more comments.
Join the Conversation

Postmedia is committed to maintaining a lively but civil forum for discussion. Please keep comments relevant and respectful. Comments may take up to an hour to appear on the site. You will receive an email if there is a reply to your comment, an update to a thread you follow or if a user you follow comments. Visit our Community Guidelines for more information.

Latest National Stories
    This Week in Flyers