It was a failure of the system
NOTE: The following letter was submitted for publication.
Dear Daughter of us all,
I am so sorry. I am so sorry that you had to discover first-hand the terrible violence that lies just beneath the surface of our society.
As a woman, I am sorry that you now know in your own body the violence of one person against another. Sadly, there are many men in our communities who are violent toward women. We women do what we can to protect ourselves. We stand in solidarity with one another, and teach our daughters to be strong and confident. However, until more men change their attitudes toward sex, anger, and power, women will continue to live under the threat of violence from the men in their lives.
As a citizen, I am sorry that you were doubly violated by the systemic violence of our society’s bureaucracy. The treatment you received from the ER in Truro was unconscionable and unacceptable. Yes, I understand they did not have the resources or expertise to address your plight as another hospital with the SANE program would have. Still, you were a human person clearly in need of medical assistance – physically, mentally, spiritually – all of which our hospitals are designed to provide.
Their failure to physically transfer you to a hospital that did provide the services you needed was negligent. Their refusal to offer you privacy, calm and reasoned advice, and simple human compassion was a violation of your humanity. It was systemic violence, the result of a health care system that has lost sight of its primary purpose – to provide care. Sadly, the violence of our bureaucracies reflects the violence of our society which means women will experience that violence disproportionately.
I want to say to you, as clearly as I can: You did everything right. We are the ones who let you down. We are the ones who must carry the shame. We are the ones who have to do better.
So stand tall, hold you head up with pride. You did everything right.
Heal well, my daughter, my sister, my friend.
Karen MacNeill, Stratford, P.E.I.
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Call that bridge ‘The Great Divide”
To the editor:
And the rivalry continues ...
The Nova Scotia Provincial Exhibition was held in Bible Hill, an event that has been held for many years on the same week of August each year. We also were fortunate to have Rock the Hub in Truro, with its many street events, bands, etc. However, why is it not possible for the neighbouring communities to stop competing with the other for their citizens’ dollars and time?
As it should come as no surprise to anyone when the Ex will happen, Truro’s big event could have chosen one of the many summer weekends prior to EX, or even the three-day Labour Day weekend that was just around the corner.
Apparently global co-operation cannot be attained at a more local level. Too bad. We might as well rename the Salmon River bridge on Main Street going to Bible Hill as The Great Divide.
Dawn MacKay, Truro
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Cadet program builds good citizenship
To the editor:
I would like to bring to the attention of parents, guardians, and others the significant value of Canada’s largest youth organization, Cadets Canada.
Cadets is a national program for youth ages 12 to 18 which currently has more than 50,000 youth enrolled. It is sponsored nationally by the Canadian Forces. In our area we have Cadets from the Navy, Army and Air Force.
As the National Vice President (Army) for Nova Scotia I would encourage any youth who are looking for challenging and meaningful after-school activity, to seriously consider becoming a Cadet. The Army program is designed to develop good citizenship and leadership, social interaction with others, physical fitness, and more. Cadets have weekend camping trips teaching self-sufficiency, the opportunity to attend well-organized summer camps, participate in competitive and recreational biathlon and shooting, plus our Cadets have social activities such as Christmas Dinner, Halloween, etc. Top-motivated Cadets go on expeditions and exchange programs both within and outside of Canada.
The Cadet program is community based and is funded by the Canadian Government and local sponsors such as our Legion. The program is free and uniforms and most other equipment is provided. Training is usually one night a week plus some weekend activities. It is clearly a great investment in our future – our youth. I have watched, to my great delight, the progression into responsible adults of many young women and men.
If someone you know or care for might be interested in the Army Cadet Program, the first night of recruiting is Wednesday, Sept. 12 from 6 to 8 pm. at the Truro Armouries. Ask for Captain Jamie Richards, Deputy Commanding Officer an experienced Cadet Officer and an IT professional at the NSCC by day.
Again, the program is free and provides valuable training and fun.
Bob Baxter, National VP (NS),
Army Cadet League of Canada
Director Truro Army Cadets
