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Article content A theory

If you control the media, you can control the message. What do presidents Putin and Xi have in common? They control the message in their countries; there is no free speech, only that which acceptable to the state.

But Russia and China also are experts in cyber-activity and have been implicated in trying to influence election results in democratic countries. What if they are trying to manipulate the media in the west for other reasons?

Mr. Putin sentimentally writes about the historical unity of Russians and Ukrainians, to make it sound as if those two countries wish for a union; that he has no plans for a forced takeover. Mr, Xi has aspirations for the reunification of Taiwan, also claiming historical links.

But what if someone is planting different messages, not about the Ukraine or Taiwan, but of Hillary Clinton eating babies or Justin Trudeau faking his vaccination for TV?

Free speech is one of democracys greatest strengths but it also may be one of its greatest weaknesses. Should anyone be able to say whatever they want, whether true or not? Perhaps someone is trying to undermine our democracy and economy to divide us.

Would Russia be happy to see discord within NATO as it amasses an invasion-size force on Ukraines borders? Would China be emboldened towards Taiwan if it felt there was confusion among Taiwans friends? Would segments within the U.S. push for industries to build in the that country because Canada can no longer be trusted to be a stable trading partner?

Who are those anonymous supporters of the Freedom Convoy and what are their motives? Is it for freedom?

This is my conspiracy theory.

Paul Szak, Brantford

Re: With coyote sightings rising, city seeks to get handle on problem (Feb. 11)

The article advises to not leave birdseed around and to cover garbage cans so as not to attract coyotes and and other creatures.

Ironically, the city is implementing a green bin collection program ( yes, I understand the reason for this ) for food scrapes. So, dont be surprised when you get more than coyotes visiting.

Steve Whines, Brantford

Re: Think of others (Letter, Feb. 10)

It seems to me that the letter writer is saying that we should suspend the freedoms of other people for the good of his own health.

I think this is problematic both from an ethical and a legal standpoint.

Werner BroschinskiPrinceton

I am writing to pronounce my whole-hearted support for the end to mandates. Inspired by the Freedom Convoy, I demand an end to all mandates and suggest truckers turn their attention to the mandates that affect them most directly.

Stopping at stop signs is a mandate that slows truckers and costs them money, as do speed limits. Stop signs must be removed, speed limits abandoned. For that matter, requiring a licence to drive is a mandate and infringes on my freedom. Hold the line!

Bob Gordon

Brantford

The rest is here:
Letters to the editor - Brantford Expositor