Acceptance and integration

This is in regards to the slew of recent letters on immigrants and racism. Why are Canadians proud of their country? Is it because Canada has been welcoming people of all religions, cultures and nationalities since its conception? Or because, although we can all hold onto our individual identity, as Canadians we accept each other - not tolerate, accept. That is, or should be, the keyword of the Great North.

Then from acceptance, integration organically emerges. Anglophone, francophone and allophone, we are Canadians, first of all. We are all here because we were invited to enrich this country and ourselves. Canada gave us, and our ancestors, a chance that no other place did.

So how could one Canadian hate another? Muslim or Jewish, Catholic or Protestant, Hindu or Buddhist, in Canada everybody can practice his religion side by side. Whatever your origin, in Canada, they should live peacefully together. We all came here in order to leave destruction, war, vengeance and any acts of hatred behind, and live in peace with our neighbours, with our compatriots.

What do Canadian Jewish kids have to do with violence thousands and thousands of kilometres away? In countries some of those kids could not even point out on the map? What did Canadians with dark skin have to do with 9/11? Why were they attacked by their compatriots? Of what were they guilty? How could a Canadian punish another Canadian for the "sins" committed by people far away?

Please, leave your prejudice and hatred behind when entering Canada. Enjoy the freedom of peace we are blessed with. And if you think you are a better Canadian than the others simply because you were born here, think of your ancestors who came here to find refuge, and treat the allophones the same way you would treat your relatives. Canadians are good people not simply for not committing vandalism and acts of violence based on hatred, but because they do not tolerate those acts. We know that the future of our children depends on it. "Live and let live" was, is, and will stay our motto.

» Bobo Vian

Busted for pot

About two weeks ago, at 11 p.m. on a Friday night, those who were unfortunate enough to be taking in the view and smoking a spliff at Westmount lookout were caught in a very-well-carried-out raid. The police don't want "kids smoking pot!" there anymore.

I understand their objective; it's a residential area, etc., and I can even give them their precious "it's not legal yet" line. But why do they have to be such shmucks?

My friends and I, who were caught rolling a joint in a car, are 22-year-old, full-time university students who work part time and, between the four of us, probably had nothing more than a speeding ticket on record. Not to mention we've never bothered anyone in our years of smoking in residential areas. Regardless, my friend was cuffed and held after they searched her car without a warrant and found less than a quarter ounce of marijuana and a bit of hash. She was very upset and the police, laughing heartily, suggested she consult a psychologist before she consults a lawyer.

They also insinuated that I was going to drive high because my eyes were red - after I had cried. Good job guys. I then got to see one of the female cops push my friend and say, "Tu t'penses hot mais tu l'es pas!" ("You think you're cool but you're not") after he had questioned their antics. More blaring professionalism.

On April 27, I read a story about the police's abuse of street prostitutes in The Gazette and I'm really starting to wonder what they tell these guys in cop school. "Be condescending. You are an officer of the law and everyone else is but a petty criminal."

I always had respect for the police, if only for the fact that they're just doing their jobs like anyone else, but those days are past. They are clearly not just doing their jobs, they're trying to make up for some very deeply-rooted insecurities. Poor cops. Maybe their mothers never paid attention to them. But either way, if they expect any respect from the community, they better start giving some back. I anxiously await the day I'll be able to have a humane conversation with an officer. And to those cops who do have respect and consideration and who truly do what they do because they want to help people and not go on a power trip - yes, I still believe there must be a few out there - it would be great if you could teach the rest of your colleagues something about common courtesy. Everyone would really appreciate it.

» Nadine Benny

All that avant-jazz

What a pleasant surprise after our five-hour drive to find in the Mirror a preview of Jazzstory's gig at Café Silencio with our picture too [Music Listings, April 29].

Montreal has probably the strongest avant garde jazz scene in Canada, and likeminded Torontonians are anxious to hear that type of music here in T.O. and to exchange music and ideas by visiting your great city (check out record label Ambience Magnetique or club Casa del Popolo).

The Mirror was certainly a big part of Jazzstory's impressive turn out at Cafe Silencio on May 1, and we're inspired to return soon as well as invite Montreal groups to get on the 401 and come our way too. Thanks for your support.

» Tim Posgate, Toronto

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