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

    Alberta Passes Controversial Farm-safety Bill; Changes Begin Jan. 1

    Alberta Passes Controversial Farm-safety Bill; Changes Begin Jan. 1
    EDMONTON — Alberta's controversial farm bill has passed in the legislature following one final round of heated debate.

    Alberta Passes Controversial Farm-safety Bill; Changes Begin Jan. 1

    Canadian Scientist Arthur McDonald Formally Presented With Nobel Prize For Physics

    Canadian Scientist Arthur McDonald Formally Presented With Nobel Prize For Physics
    STOCKHOLM — Canadian scientist Arthur McDonald was formally presented Thursday with his Nobel Prize at a ceremony in Stockholm.

    Canadian Scientist Arthur McDonald Formally Presented With Nobel Prize For Physics

    Judge Rules B.C. Man Accused Of Child Porn In Massachusetts Can Be Extradited

    Judge Rules B.C. Man Accused Of Child Porn In Massachusetts Can Be Extradited
    VANCOUVER — A B.C. Supreme Court judge says a man accused of convincing two Massachusetts girls to send him naked photos of themselves can be extradited to the United States.

    Judge Rules B.C. Man Accused Of Child Porn In Massachusetts Can Be Extradited

    Boxing Legend Muhammad Ali Responds To Donald Trump's Call To Ban Muslims From Entering US

    Boxing Legend Muhammad Ali Responds To Donald Trump's Call To Ban Muslims From Entering US
    Ali, one of the most famous Muslims in the world, says "the ruthless violence of so-called Islamic Jihadists goes against the very tenets of our religion."

    Boxing Legend Muhammad Ali Responds To Donald Trump's Call To Ban Muslims From Entering US

    Case Of Marco Muzzo Accused In Alleged Drunk Driving Crash That Killed 4 Put Over To Jan. 6

    Case Of Marco Muzzo Accused In Alleged Drunk Driving Crash That Killed 4 Put Over To Jan. 6
    Marco Muzzo appeared via video link at a courthouse in Newmarket, Ont., on Thursday, where his case was put over to Jan. 6.

    Case Of Marco Muzzo Accused In Alleged Drunk Driving Crash That Killed 4 Put Over To Jan. 6

    Harjit Sajjan Non-Committal On Afghan Security Funding Renewal In Wake Of Kandahar Attack

    Harjit Sajjan Non-Committal On Afghan Security Funding Renewal In Wake Of Kandahar Attack
    Defence Minister Harjit Sajjan was non-committal Wednesday about renewing Canada's $300 million support for Afghan security forces, despite a deadly attack at Kandahar Airfield that left dozens dead.

    Harjit Sajjan Non-Committal On Afghan Security Funding Renewal In Wake Of Kandahar Attack