Close X
Thursday, November 7, 2024
ADVT 
National

Winnipeg Mayor Brian Bowman Invites Donald Trump To City To Learn 'Compassion And Tolerance'

The Canadian Press, 11 Dec, 2015 10:46 AM
    WINNIPEG — Petitions are circulating in some countries to ban Donald Trump.
     
    Some mayors in the United States are joking about banning him themselves.
     
    But Winnipeg Mayor Brian Bowman is ready to welcome the controversial Republican presidential hopeful.
     
    Bowman released a letter to Trump on Thursday — International Human Rights Day —  that urges him to visit the Manitoba capital and specifically its Canadian Museum for Human Rights.
     
    "Mr. Trump, it is my hope that in visiting our city and, in particular, our museum, you might develop a more profound sense of compassion and tolerance for others," Bowman wrote.
     
    "My invitation comes ... in light of the recent traumatic events in Paris and around the world, and in response to your political and personal reaction to them."
     
    Trump suggested this week that all Muslims should be banned from entering the United States "until our country's representatives can figure out what is going on."
     
    His remarks prompted fury around the world. The White House said his comments disqualify him from being president. Others both joked about, and seriously pondered, shunning Trump. 
     
    Philadelphia Mayor Michael Nutter said if he had the power, "the only banning that would be done is that I would ban (Trump) from Philadelphia."
     
     
    Rick Kriseman, the mayor of St. Petersburg, Fla., tweeted: "I am hereby barring Donald Trump from entering St. Petersburg until we fully understand the dangerous threat posed by all Trumps." He later explained he was "answering ridiculousness with ridiculousness."
     
    Bowman wrote that while "you fight to close doors on foreign Muslims in the United States, Canada is preparing to welcome 25,000 Syrian refugees."
     
    "I believe the reason for our tolerance, acceptance and desire to help comes from a deep understanding of other cultures," said Bowman, who came under scrutiny earlier this year after Winnipeg was labelled "the most racist city in Canada" for its treatment of indigenous people. 
     
    "We embrace and celebrate our multiculturalism and we understand that in diversity there is strength."
     
    While a few applauded the invitation on social media, it was criticized by others who felt it downplayed the seriousness of Trump's bigotry.
     
    "For some crazy reason, the letter doesn't make it clear that Trump is a virulent racist who invokes the language of the Holocaust," tweeted lawyer Corey Shefman, who added it was "a misguided publicity stunt."
     
    "How would having him in Winnipeg make our city's Muslim community feel?"
     
     
    Another called the invitation deplorable. 
     
    "@realDonaldTrump has no place in our city or our politics," tweeted Thomas Linner. "Please reconsider and rescind this invitation."

    MORE National ARTICLES

    Want To Be Appointed To The Senate? 5 Things You Need To Know

    Want To Be Appointed To The Senate? 5 Things You Need To Know
     The process is aimed at restoring the Senate to its intended role as an independent chamber of sober second thought.

    Want To Be Appointed To The Senate? 5 Things You Need To Know

    Throne Speech Launches Trudeau Era In Parliament, Recaps Election Promises

    Throne Speech Launches Trudeau Era In Parliament, Recaps Election Promises
    OTTAWA — The Justin Trudeau era is officially underway in Parliament with the reading of a throne speech sketching out the priorities of the new Liberal government.

    Throne Speech Launches Trudeau Era In Parliament, Recaps Election Promises

    Tribal Council Says Young B.C. Man Living In Care Dies; Coroner Investigates

    Tribal Council Says Young B.C. Man Living In Care Dies; Coroner Investigates
    The Nuu-chah-nulth Tribal Council did not release the name, age or location of the man's death in a news release issued Thursday.

    Tribal Council Says Young B.C. Man Living In Care Dies; Coroner Investigates

    'The 6' Makes A Fashionable Footprint With New Nike Shoes Inspired By Toronto

    'The 6' Makes A Fashionable Footprint With New Nike Shoes Inspired By Toronto
    The nickname assigned to Toronto by hometown hip-hop star Drake has been stamped on new Nike shoes designed by Canadian Erin Cochrane.

    'The 6' Makes A Fashionable Footprint With New Nike Shoes Inspired By Toronto

    Naked, Distressed Couple Arrested Trying To Flee Police In Sooke, B.C.

    Naked, Distressed Couple Arrested Trying To Flee Police In Sooke, B.C.
    RCMP in that community northwest of Victoria say it happened late Tuesday evening when officers were called about reports of screaming.

    Naked, Distressed Couple Arrested Trying To Flee Police In Sooke, B.C.

    Ombudsman Ends Probe Of 10,500 Complaints Into Hydro One; Loses Oversight

    Ombudsman Ends Probe Of 10,500 Complaints Into Hydro One; Loses Oversight
    TORONTO — Ontario's ombudsman has wrapped up investigations into 10,500 complaints about billing errors at Hydro One, but the provincial watchdog can't look into any more problems at the utility because it's being privatized.

    Ombudsman Ends Probe Of 10,500 Complaints Into Hydro One; Loses Oversight