John Horgan showed respect, and earned it as well
I didn’t know John Horgan, but my old friend Larry Foffonoff, who was considerably older than John, volunteered in his constituency office for more than 10 years.
One day, when Larry and I had one of our many retirement outings and went to sit in the legislature as observers, visit the legislative library and then have lunch at the dining room, my friend invited John to join us. It was early in his days as premier and he was a busy guy, but he took the time to have a leisurely visit with us over lunch.
I had admired him as a politician, but the man I met that day was a dutiful and respectful friend. Larry gently wagged his finger at John, in a fatherly way, and quietly reminded him that he was doing well in the polls, but to be careful not to get under the spell of the “swagger” from his popularity.
For a split second, I saw an earnest John lean forward and assure my dear old friend that he definitely would not go down that path.
It was a sweeter moment than I can say.
Larry was the elder giving John advice and John was completely focused on Larry and beautifully respectful. John was deferential and even asked his assistant to take a picture of the three of us at the table.
My friend or I would never have taken a picture in this situation (with the celebrity guy), and the fact that John wanted his picture taken with Larry — a guy who had volunteered for him in the constituency office for 10 years — was a totally priceless moment to me. I was completely charmed by his admiration of someone who worked very hard for him, and have admired the man ever since.
Needless to say, like a million others in B.C., I thought he was a great guy.
Thelma Fayle
Victoria
Former premier was original, he was one of us
As news of former premier John Horgan’s death spread quickly throughout Sooke I was surprised at how many reactions were “I knew him well” or “I spoke to him many times”or “he was a good friend.”
He was truly one of us and we are grateful.
Gunny Tennese
Sooke
He knew when to keep his ego in check
Perhaps the best tribute to former premier John Horgan, to which Premier David Eby alluded, was Dean Acheson’s tribute to Harry Truman: “He never let his ego get between him and his job,” particularly during COVID.
A worthy tribute that too many politicians need to heed.
Roger Love
Saanich
John Horgan listened to all points of view
When I read of former premier John Horgan’s death, I felt deep sadness. When he had to step down, I believed our province lost the gift of a man full of integrity and compassion.
No matter what political affiliation residents held dear, Horgan took the time to listen to all points of view. In his tenure, I felt Horgan cared more about the residents of British Colombia than his own political aspirations. He will be sorely missed.
Wendy Ewing
Sidney
A lesson on economics if history repeats
Re: “Trump let it slip: He lost in 2020,” letter, Nov. 13.
The letter said president-elect Donald Trump admitted in his acceptance speech that he lost the 2020 election when he said he was president 45 and 47, rather than saying 45 and 46. In fact, if he had won in 2020 he would have still only been 45. Many U.S. presidents served two terms but only have one president number (such as Bill Clinton, George W. Bush and Barack Obama).
The only exception is Grover Cleveland, who was president 22 and 24. This exception is of interest due to the circumstances, which contain a historical lesson lost on the voters who just elected 47.
That is, Cleveland was defeated in 1888 by Republican challenger Benjamin Harrison, who promised to create greater economic prosperity by implementing widespread tariffs.
Voters bought the idea, and he implemented these in 1889. The immediate impact was a burst of inflation.
This was followed by an economic slowdown, and when the 1892 election came around, voters threw Harrison out and put Cleveland back in.
It looks as if U.S. voters could soon be re-learning this lesson.
Jim Bonfonti
Saanich
American apocalypse (irony alert)
Recent letters to your paper indicate that some Victorians are very upset at the U.S. election result and indeed at American voters for making it so.
That’s politics. In another four years a reverse shift of three or four voters out of a hundred could well put the Democrats back in power. I’m betting the world will not have come to an end in the meantime.
Steve Weatherbe
Victoria
We all have a duty to our country
Re: “We need to fight divisive rhetoric,” letter, Nov. 13.
The letter refers to the line “we stand on guard for thee” in our national anthem.
Indeed. Yes we must do this, and if so, why does God have to “keep our land glorious and free”?
With no disrespect to believers in God, I suggest that line in our national anthem be changed to “WE keep our land glorious and free.”
My duty is now very clear.
Robert Milan
Victoria
Are they getting value for what they are paying?
I find it ironic that the West Shore RCMP, which provides policing service to Langford, Colwood, Highlands, View Royal, Metchosin and two First Nations communities, would withdraw from a regional policing unit because they don’t believe they are getting good value for their region.
I guarantee that some of the communities could make the same argument as to whether they receive full value for their contribution, but I am sure the superintendent in charge would have a different opinion.
Rollie Woods
Oak Bay
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