Editor:
The Tories wouldn’t know the truth if they tripped over it.
Of course they are responsible for us having an election now. I picked up my mail before the non-confidence motion was held, and lo and behold what was in it? A “Re-elect Russ Hiebert” pamphlet as a Tory from South Surrey-White Rock-Cloverdale.
The timing obviously speaks volumes as to the Harper government that wants to foist more prisons on us instead of rehabilitation programs; fighter jets without even getting bids; and tax cuts for corporations and nothing for seniors. Some people say we don’t want an election. Wrong; I want to vote them out.
Bill Phelps, Surrey
• • •
My initial reaction was anger and frustration when the three opposition parties got together to bring the Conservative government down – not only because of the $300-million cost but also the pause in the government’s plan for our continuing economic recovery.
Then I thought this pause might be an opportunity for a positive and a learning reflection. I recalled how the brutal 1930s depression left my parents economically wounded and scarred, but stronger and more united as they worked together through the Second World War.
In the past two years, we have again had to endure a comparable economic shock, fortunately for us not as deep as in other countries, but sobering enough for us to approach our financial future with caution.
So during this time leading up to an unnecessary election, I would like to thank our government, for leading us through this world economic meltdown in good shape. We are the envy of many economies, and the current events in Greece, Spain, Ireland and others should be a warning to all who choose their path.
Our economy is slowly recovering but remains fragile.
Our government brought us through the stormy seas with a steady hand on the wheel. I see no reason at this time to risk altering our course at this critical time.
Dennis Smith, White Rock
• • •
Re: Early campaign criticism riles MP, April 1.
I am wondering if MP Russ Hiebert would like to be more specific in his claims that Liberal candidates jumped the gun by sending out campaign literature prior to the writ being dropped. What Liberal candidates, Mr. Hiebert? And where? Certainly not Hardy Staub, the Liberal candidate in this riding.
We did not violate the intent of the Elections Act – you did.
Penny Essex, Liberal Party of Canada riding president,
South Surrey-White Rock-Cloverdale
Majority rules
There is a significant disconnect between our electoral system and a basic mathematical concept.
We have often heard in Canadian politics that the threshold of 40 per cent in popular support is the magic number in determining whether the winning party will lead a majority or minority government. But in what other space-time continuum known to mankind does 40 per cent constitute a ‘majority’?
The question was raised in B.C. several years ago, and didn’t get very far. Rather comically, the threshold for changing the system to something that makes mathematical sense is much higher than what you need for a majority Parliament. I am not sure if there is a move afoot nationally to address this logical fallacy. Ironically, this question is unlikely to be addressed by our elected representatives, since the parties with a chance of winning – read blue or red – don’t want the bar to a ‘majority’ raised higher than it already is, even though it’s not very high. And the other losing parties – green and whatever colour can be assigned to the NDP and BQ – by definition don’t have enough seats to do it on their own.
I wonder if it will take a court challenge to refine the system. Maybe a case can be made for voter disenfranchisement.
I am always thankful that we in Canada have the right to vote. I am also surprised by how few of us bother to exercise that right. Perhaps we should establish a right to have our vote count as much as it should.
If our votes actually counted fully, we would end up with a more-representative government, which might encourage more people to participate in the process.
It’s two birds with one stone.
S.K. Cheung, Surrey
Mano a mano
Mr. Harper challenged Mr. Ignatieff to a one-on-one debate but has since rescinded his challenge.
Seeing as that isn’t likely to happen, I hereby offer up my living room in my modest condominium for a debate between Mr. Hiebert, the Conservative incumbent, and Mr. Staub, the Liberal challenger.
My hope is that both will accept my invitation. I also extend my invitation to the media, even though my living room is not that large.
Coffee and cookies will be provided.
I am serious about this and welcome the organizers of both campaigns to contact me – through the editor of the Peace Arch News – to decide upon the timing and structure of the debate with the reasonable requirement that all questions asked be unscreened by the parties.
Graham Wood, White Rock
