Editor:
I write this in response to the editorial by Tom Fletcher in the April 26 edition of Lakes District News.
I take exception to his use of the phrase “big Irish bully” in his piece on John Horgan.
For a long time contributor of editorials, I find it amazing he thought that it was ok to slander an identifiable minority in our province without any consideration of giving offence.
Indeed I think if he prefaced his remarks with any other visible minority in the province, there would have been a firestorm.
I am Irish and well aware of the many slurs, jokes and stereotypical remarks we have endured through our history.
Mr. Fletcher sounds like he is still back in the old British Empire days, when it was fair game to belittle the underdogs or those who wouldn’t toe the line.
I guess being the first to declare independence and reject the empire didn’t enhance our image in the far flung reaches of that same empire, such as Canada.
Perhaps I am reaching, but I have encountered similar attitudes closer to my homeland.
I think Mr. Fletcher’s remarks are wholly inappropriate.
Sincerely,
Aidan Carroll
