Letters to the Editor
Political parties are the problem with government
Dear Editor,
Of the people, by the people, for the people. We have all heard this statement, but how many of us have experienced this from our government as they affect our daily lives?
It seems to me there is an inherent problem with the structure of our government, at all levels, federal, provincial and municipal, especially the first two which then has implications for municipal.
I have come to believe that the fundamental issue is party politics. This was made clear to us a few years ago when a court in Red Deer ruled that a Member of Parliament did not have to vote according to the desire of his constituents. This MP had stated prior to the election that he would vote against the GST, but voted for it when it came to a vote. When our elected officials are more concerned with supporting the party, rather than representing their constituents, we have a problem, but that is what our current system provides us with.
Following an election, we hear it said the winning party will assume power. This should be a position of stewardship not one of power. The leader then names his/her cabinet which becomes the inner circle which consolidates decision making to a smaller group of people within the “ruling” party. This makes it much easier to control an agenda, but it also makes some citizens voices louder and more powerful than other MPs.
Party politics divides the people, and pits groups or areas of the country against each other. What would serve us better would be independent MPs and MLAs. This would place each individual in the position of having to look at what is good for the whole of society. We would likely have fewer laws passed, but likely more sensible and prudent laws.
Lastly, we would be better served by people who do not make politics a vocation. There should be limits placed on the number of terms. Filling one of these positions can be quite busy and involved, and in the process there is the danger of becoming more attuned to the status quo within the administration, rather than one’s constituents’ needs and desires. I wonder how many would be interested in voting for independents to take down party politics?
Gordon McDowell
Okotoks
Prime Minister Harper has given up on his ideals
Dear Editor,
Who made you do it?
Mr. Harper, how could you have let the “Coalition of the Un-anointed” take away your power? They are bad!
They have forced you to give up your ideals of elected Senate and set election dates. They have caused my country, one of the most respected peacekeepers in the world, to become associated with torture. They have forced you to stifle your own MPs. They have forced you to control the media and appoint Mike Duffy to the Senate. The final straw is they made you shut down Canadian Parliament, shuffle government watchdogs and forced you to restart the majority of 36 government bills already in process.
Shame on you and shame on them.
Michael Wilson
Black Diamond
Dyer wrong on the science behind climate change
Dear Editor,
Mr. Dyer is completely ignorant of the science behind Copenhagen and his article clearly reflects those facts.
There is no science behind the theory that anthropogenic CO2 causes global warming. The theory is not proven. The IPCC climate models have all been proven false. The basic science behind most models has now also been shown as false because of “Climate Gate”.
Research just published by a Canadian professor indicates ozone was probably the cause of global warming since 1950 and the Montreal Accord reached by support from Reagan and Mulroney to stop emissions that destroyed ozone are likely the reason for the global cooling experienced for the last 10 or more years, and that cooling will likely continue for another 50 to 70 years. Apparently ozone has over 10,000 times the effect that carbon dioxide has as a warming effect.
Please get informed reporters, not opinionated hacks to write articles.
Jim Shutiak
DeWinton
Okotokians honest people
Dear Editor,
I would like to tell the people of Okotoks that we really do have wonderful honest residents.
I left my purse in the cart at Wal-Mart last night and this nice couple brought it home to me. My husband received the purse while I was out looking for it and I just want to tell these people — thank you.
Anyone could have kept the purse and all the contents (including money) but they were honest and drove it write to my door.
Deb Suderman
Okotoks
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Wells, Wells, Wells. Kudos to Judge Creighton for seeing truth in the trigger-happy officers in Okotoks. As an education and employment coordinator in the city and a visitor to Okotoks, I attempted to enjoy a beverage at a respected pub when I experienced a similar incident to Fitchett. Although I was not tasered, the officer was quick to hand-cuff me and place me in confinement after he accused me of having a bottle in my possession while standing outside of the establishment. I was not there very long before this encounter happened but found myself in a vomit-smeared, blood-blotted cell for 12 hours following an unfounded allegation. I will never forget the embarrassing and hostile experience, however, I am pleased with the recognition that sometimes we need protection from our protectors.
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