Opinion | Sept. 10: Spec readers share their feelings and memories on the loss of Queen Elizabeth – Hamilton Spectator

More like her

I am not a monarchist, but I have nothing but praise and admiration for the late Queen. She was a model of quiet strength, dignity and selflessness. The world needs more like her. Rest in Peace, Your Majesty.

Queen section

I enjoyed all your coverage of the said death of our Queen. I had hoped there might be a special section with photos and stories all about her and her legacy? Is that not happening?

(Editors note: The section is in Saturdays print edition.)

Long live this Queen

Long before the advent of social media, television shows and late-night media pundits all of whom at one point or another trashed the British royal monarchy, there was a purpose and deeper meaning to those of us who grew up with the reign of Queen Elizabeth.

The relevance of Queen Elizabeths life has long been lost on the many decades of the public who see the Royal Family as a frivolous unneeded icon of days gone past. However, it is not revisionist for those of us who remember the Britain that in earlier times that held the democracy and freedom of Europe in their trust while the rest of the world held in breath in anticipation of both fascist revolution and cold war destruction.

Queen Elizabeth, albeit not a politician, was instrumental in the direction world politics swayed in the most peaceful means possible. Yes, the Queen and her monarchy have essentially outlived its innate importance on world affairs but regardless of the affairs of today, when direction and leadership was required on a level that far surpassed politics, Queen Elizabeth stood alone and at the forefront of all challengers. In life there are very few iconic leaders who surpass their parameters of a life they were born into; Queen Elizabeth was one of those unique individuals who transcended their role.

Long live the Queen, God praise the Queen, and we will never forget this Queen.

Daniel Kowbell, Burlington

Long live the King

The Queen of Canada is dead. Long live the King!

She deserved more

I am shocked. The Queen is dead and you cant see fit to give her the whole front page! Disgusting and completely disrespectful.

Jane Farrington, Hamilton

Great send-off

Thanks for your excellent coverage of the Queens passing. The stories, and especially the photos, were wonderful and moving. We will not see her like again and you gave her a great send-off.

Sandra McFarlane, Burlington

Health crisis

Canada has fewer ICU beds compared to other developed countries. Recovery from mayor surgery, for example, is not even a one-day event any more. Now patients will be transferred to group homes due to bed shortages as well. But with an aging population requiring more complex care, the problem of accommodation and space will become even greater.

Governments have ignored the health-care crisis for too long; corners have been cut and doctors and nurses are leaving. But if we recall, at the height of the pandemic, China responded to COVID and built a 1000 bed hospital in a week; Canada stood by cancelling surgeries instead. Why not invest in more hospitals to alleviate some of the problems to start? If the redevelopment of Eastgate Square and surrounding area, for example, is being considered for 9000 housing units, with no problem, our governments can accommodate a hospital setting with a dialysis wing, perhaps even at the vacant spot where Sears once stood.

Road repair fail

On Central Mountain in the Franklin Road area, we waited 18 years for our pothole infested roads to be repaved. Finally we were informed it would be done soon. First they came around and chewed up our lawns to repair water lines, then they came and dug up the road and started replacing the sewer pipes, all great stuff. At that time we were told everything would be done before they actually paved the road. Wrong! After only three years of having a new road the city is back cutting huge trenches up and down our streets. Get this, they forgot to take out small lengths of lead pipe waterlines still buried under that wonderful new street. Now it all looks like crap again. One has to wonder, when we hear about all that money being burned for lawyer bills and consultants, and then witnessing this kind of screw up when it comes to road repair, does anyone down there at city hall give a darn?

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Opinion | Sept. 10: Spec readers share their feelings and memories on the loss of Queen Elizabeth - Hamilton Spectator