News Leader News
LETTERS TO THE EDITOR
- January 31, 2006
Dear Editor;
It's all over but the endless rehashing of the "what ifs." The election was held just this past week and in the first post-election day I lost count of the times I've heard variations of łthe people have spoken.˛ But I beg to differ. The people spoke alright only the message didn't get to Parliament.
No, this is not a sour grapes letter nor is it an endorsement of any party. I will however try to point out the good points of one of the Green Party's main concerns: that being proportional representation. It is also a plank in the NDP platform; only they haven't howled quite as loudly.
The people said that they wanted the Conservatives to have 117 seats - they got 124. They said that the Liberals should have 98 seats - they ended up with 103. The people wished that the Bloc should have 33 seats - and they got 51. The NDP got 29 seats - but the people said that they should have 57. The Greens got 0 seats but the people wanted them to have at least 6.
For most Canadians there is a bright side to the above scenario: the Bloc would lose the hammer. Will the Conservatives now see the obvious advantage of endorsing proportional representation?
In a system that worships greed; where whoever eats the fastest gets the most; where everyone fends for themselves, it's easy to understand that the Conservatives and Liberals have no interest in changing the voting system into a democratic one.
I would predict that there will be no federal movement on proportional representation until such a time as the two major parties can see it as a benefit to themselves.
- Sincerely, HP Toews
To The Editor,
Sir,
The expression on their faces said it all. This was a very serious business even as the line moved slowly ahead. People of all ages, shapes, and colour. Female, male, bewhiskered or hairless. All anxious to make their one little mark in the voting booth that together would make the big mark shaping our country.
No intimidation or coercion but rather in a friendly, efficient sober atmosphere. Who then was the winner in the Canadian federal election? Clearly the Canadian citizen. The outcome resulting in a second minority government confirms the diversity of ideas for the care of Canada.
Conservative Prime Minister designate Mr. Harper could do well to reach out and include other party members to be included in his cabinet. Such as Liberal Mr. Dosanjh to continue as Health Minister and NDP Leader Mr. Layton appointed as Labour Minister.
Mr. Day's re-election in Penticton's riding will see him a major cabinet minister and Princeton will gain in any spillover of benefits in education, health or other, brought by him as we are in the same orbit. On the other hand our new MP NDP Mr. Antamanenko will offer alternative ideas and contribute his expertise on Commons committees.
Hopefully on international affairs. We have Princeton grads in the Canadian military scheduled for a very dangerous part of Afghanistan which is becoming very hostile. This could be our newly elected government's greatest challenge.
It is imperative that the MP's see that our troops are the best trained and equipped with a sound knowledge of the country and it's enemy, of it's history, culture, religion, philosophy and goals which may not be taught in our public schools but maybe should be - in this rapidly changing dangerous world.
In the harsh reality of international power politics our MP's will have to guard against Mr. Harper being coerced and dragged by President Bush into his 'war for oil program,' in Iraq which seems to be widening and spinning out of control.
We don't want Canada to be President Bush's 'golden retriever' as some perceive Britain's P.M. Blair to be President Bush's 'lap dog.'
There is no reason our newly elected federal government cannot serve Canada well. If not it will be swept out by a future Liberal landslide.
Regards,
Joe Schwarz, Princeton
To The Editor;
On behalf of the Princeton Posse Junior Hockey Club, I would like to take this opportunity to thank everyone who made last week's KIJHL Top Prospects and All-Star games and banquet such a huge success.
Whether you are a volunteer, corporate sponsor or just a dedicated fan you can take pride in the fact that this event was truly a showcase of our town and it's people.
The number of individuals and businesses who pulled together to help out is just too great to list, it really was a community effort. I have received many e-mails and dozens of compliments from visitors who all were very impressed with the town, the event and the people of Princeton.
This was our weekend to show visitors our community and our spirit and show it you did. Thank you to each and every one of you for making this a weekend to remember and an event that has raised the bar for other clubs in our league.
Yours truly,
Blair Noel, General Manager Princeton Posse
PS: Thanks, George, for the extensive coverage you did and the great photos!
