Letter to the Editor
Editor,
I have been the fortunate owner of a wonderful home in the Beaver Valley for well over a decade now. I could not be happier with my situation, my neighbours, my views and my farm. I feel part of an incredible environment which, while it challenges all of us considerably in those heavy winters with snow gusting over the escarpment from the west, is alive with the wonders of nature throughout the year. I consider “our” valley to be a bit of nirvana.
But this note is really intended to address the political issue we are all facing. The Federal Election is now less than three weeks away and the electorate seems a considerable distance from being certain of its intentions on voting day, Monday, October 19th. That is a bit unusual but this year, with three parties polling neck and neck and neck, we will all likely be observing and participating in a very interesting final nineteen-day-campaign.
While political issues engaged me for many years, I have been away from politics during my time up here in the Valley, seduced I guess by its tempo, the environment and the feeling of peace and comfort. However, the past decade has seen a significant shift to the right by our Federal Government and the temper of the present Cabinet seems disconnected and counter-culture. Some, of course, will have decided that the present government is on track with their messages and policies. While I will respect that commitment, I take a contrary position. I have reviewed the platform of the four national parties and realized that the best answer for me this year is the Liberal party. In addition, I believe that we need more capable, experienced and committed women in Parliament (the present level of 24% is truly inadequate) and we can have exceptional female representation in Parliament from our Bruce-Grey-Owen Sound Riding by supporting the candidcy of Kimberley Love…
Regretfully, the Harper tenure has been exasperating and offensive to many; me included. Mr. Harper’s focus on security has been rigorous to the point of brainlessness. His security legislation is draconian. His response to the refugee crisis in Syria is scandalous. His use of “cessation” for law-abiding refugees already settled in Canada is very disturbing. So that calls me to address some questions to the reading public to consider, namely: Why would Harper not meet with the provincial Premiers? So much for the concept of Co-operative Federalism! Why did so many of his key Cabinet members resign these past few months? How come his choices of Senators and staff were so unbelievably ill-considered? Why would he muzzle scientists and disregard advice from his independent civil servants? Why does he ignore our native peoples and their rights? Why is he trying to Americanize our country? Are you comfortable with his US-style negative ads, enhanced incarceration objectives and dictatorial decision making? And what about his perpetual obfuscation? His legacy is being shaped as we recognize the injustices which surround him. His only truly saving grace over the past decade was a reliance on Jim Flaherty, a sincere and helpful politician, but sadly for all of us, Jim died far too soon.
As noted in Doug Sanders’ comment in his Foreign-Policy Debate article in yesterday’s Globe & Mail: “Mr. Harper’s disengagement from the world has cost him on his own turf. His complete non-interest in climate-change policy, his inability to propose North America-wide carbon policy or to make any other major move on this central U.S. issue alienated Washington to the point that President Barack Obama refused to support the Keystone XL pipeline, costing Mr. Harper his most important ambition”. Solid editorial comment on Harper is consistently negative; rightly so. Change is needed to prevent continuation of his austere objectives for Canada. We all deserve much better than that.
While I expect there are readers who will not like my decision to vote Liberal; that is fine with me. Everyone in Canada who meets the age and citizen requirements has the right [and duty] to vote and to do so privately. That is as it should be; it is their decision to make. However, our exceptional democracy requires a large turnout at the Polls. SO please vote if you are able to do so. If getting to your Polling station is a problem or an inconvenience, I am sure rides will be available if/as needed. Many of us will assist in that regard.
With best wishes and kind regards,
John Craig, Kimberley
