YOU SAID IT: Such class and talent

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SUCH CLASS AND TALENT

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I wish the Ottawa Sun had switched Montreal Canadiens photos on the front page of Saturday’s front page. Brendan Gallagher (used as main art) is an exciting, role-playing player, but he is no “Flower.” With the death of Guy Lafleur (used as secondary art), his photo of him would have stirred feelings in all hockey fans.

Growing up in a home with parents of English and French backgrounds in the ’60s and ’70s, the Leafs and Habs were kings. What a series of iconic players sparkled our Saturday nights, but few brighter than Guy Lafleur. Blessed with speed, skills and a passion for the game that few could match, he was a spectacle.

I was fortunate to meet him at an alumni function where he coached former Canadiens stars, and during our conversation I told him it was a pleasure and honor to meet him, but he insisted they were his to meet me.

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What a classy and thoughtful individual. His retirement from him mirrored his career from him, struggles and all.

I wonder what he would have thought of me cheering for the Bruins for a short while just to bug my Leaf- and Hab-loving parents.

GERRY GRIESE

OTTAWA

(Thank you for the touching tribute. RIP, Guy Lafleur.)

GUY WAS SO GOOD

Remembering back in the days of peewee hockey, Guy Lafleur was so much better than the rest of the kids his age, our parents and coaches decided the priests who coached minor hockey in Thurso had forged his birth certificate.

MIKE DEFALCO

ARNPRIOR

(What an honor to have known him then.)

A TURN FOR THE WORSE

Is the pandemic bringing out the worst in people?

When the pandemic first hit Canada in March 2020, we were all forced to stay indoors, leaving us all to our own devices and thoughts. For some, this provided opportunities and time for self discovery and reflection that led to personal growth. For others, however, it was the opposite. Many people throughout the pandemic managed to muster up all their negative qualities and let them brew a fowl cup of disgusting coffee.

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During the pandemic, racism has been brought to its highest peak in recent years, having some racist incident or situation being documented almost every day. It has also made humans become more selfish and narcissistic over time, getting worse year by year.

These past two years have brought out the worst in people and have weakened their compassion for one another.

Mallak Alghadban

OTTAWA

(It does seem that way sometimes.)

SCARY STUFF

Re: Chronic condition; Brigitte Cleroux sentenced to 7 years for fraud and assault after again impersonating a nurse, April 23

As I read this article, I kept asking myself how she got away with it for so long. When someone applies for a job and turns in a résumé, does the potential employer not verify the credentials in that résumé? Considering the line of work this woman was employed in, it would be the least those employers should have done to protect their patients.

More than 60 convictions and yet she was allowed to slip through the cracks and still get jobs in the medical field. That’s scarier than heck. Makes one wonder about the professionals we come across on a day-to-day basis.

As far as I’m concerned, she should have received a much harsher sentence. I have serious questions about judges presiding over cases these days. Rapists, pedophiles and serious criminals are let loose, but someone charged with minor crimes continues to sit in jail just trying to get bail. Our judicial system is so messed up.

SANDY-JOHNSTON

GREELY

(Indeed.)