With respect to the letter by Dick Harrington, Campaign Manager for Gwen O’Mahony, Progress letters, Thursday, June 2:
The results of the recent election are a reflection of the lack of understanding of the political issues on the part of the citizens of Chilliwack as you clearly point out, Dick. In defense of these people you must accept that we are not as educated in the process or as intelligent as are you, but then I think you said that in effect.
Do not despair, if you continue working, your efforts may result in a more progressive system in which people such as yourself are empowered to make better decisions on the part of we “unwashed”. There are many examples of these more progressive and efficient political systems: Iran, Saudi Arabia, Libya, PR China, etc.
If you cannot wait for Canadians to see the light, perhaps there might be a role which better suits your views in one of those systems.
Canadians are a backward group, no doubt, and in fact there have been backward in their views. The fact that nearly 100,000 made a bad decision by opposing the idea that they should make their own choices is simply a reflection of lack of your clear understanding.
No, I don’t mean the almost 100,000 voters in Chilliwack, I mean the 100,000 Canadians who died in the First and Second World Wars to allow us the privilege or making our own decisions rather than having them imposed by some elite.
If you feel that the number of hours on the job should trump our right to make our choice of the best candidate then perhaps you should ask the NDP to put forth a proposal for some sort of electoral system based on seniority but at least do Canadians the respect of allowing us to choose.
Let’s hope Gwen publicly distances herself from such as yourself or she will have less chance in the next election. Frankly sir, I would vote for a spotted dog before someone of your ilk, but then that likely shows how I am misguided.
Norm Keller
Chilliwack