Editor:
Strange, I initially thought there was not a single item in last week's letter from Mr. Balkenstein and Ms. Teske with which I could agree.
Their opinion that they could see little value in trying to save the lives of our grandparents and great grandparents that went to war is beyond repugnant.
Most of history’s darkest times have arisen when societies begin to see little value in other segments of their society and either through action, inaction, or (even worse) "analysis" allow those segments to suffer and even die.
Despite my initial frustration, I appreciate the Outlook publishing the letter to remind us that even in the most difficult times these perspectives still exist – often much closer to home than one might otherwise expect.
However, the “business of mankind” was an unusual turn of phrase that caught my eye.
It appears that the phrase may have originated in Charles Dickens’ A Christmas Carol from a line by Marley’s ghost: “Mankind was my business; charity, mercy, forbearance, and benevolence, were, all, my business. The deals of my trade were but a drop of water in the comprehensive ocean of my business!”
Therefore, I wholeheartedly agree with Mr Blackenstein and Ms Teske – let the "business of mankind" commence.
Ben Berci,
Canmore
