The Editor:

RE: "Two reasons to thank Sunera Thobani," Margaret Wente, Globe and Mail, October 4, 2001.

During the 1930s, Dr Norman Bethune was the foremost Canadian apologist for Josef Stalin's genocidal regime. In speeches he made across Canada, Bethune routinely referred to ithe Soviet Union as "democratic." Bethune died in 1939 in the service of Chairman Mao, arguably an even greater genocidal maniac than Stalin. No matter that between them Stalin and Mao murdered tens of millions of innocents. Since then Bethune has become something of an all-Canadian hero, with books, movies, television dramas and radio plays produced to celebrate his life. Why, a few years ago, Canada Post even brought out a commemorative stamp in his honour.

Against such a surrealist Canadian backdrop, it was no surprise to learn that Sunera Thobani's wrathful speech was warmly applauded with standing ovations by most of the women in attendance. Hedy Fry, I understand, did not applaud. Perhaps, Fry was saving her applause for when Canada Post, celebrating the achievements of distinguished Canadian women, issues a Sunera Thobani stamp.

Sincerely yours,

Orest Slepokura
Strathmore AB