Expressing a different opinion not petty spite
Perry Foster’s decision to be the arbiter of appropriate and acceptable responses is hypocritical, contradictory, and transparent.
Expressing opinions that are different from others does not “reveal a pettiness and spite that is both distressing and ominous”, it merely reveals a difference of opinions. Ignoring facts because they do not fit the narrative you are promoting is a whole other sin.
Joe has not been “called a variety of odious names”. His actions have been labeled propagandist, ranter, arch conservative. These are neutral. My own personal moral compass tells me that if someone did erroneously attribute the trait of “arch conservative” to me I would be seriously examining my life choices and actions. Call me a lefty and I am proud of it; see how it is not an odious name if it is true? If Perry Foster would like to know what “a variety of odious names” actually looks like I would be more than happy to share with him as I am pretty sure I have been called every nasty and derogatory name that an old, single, white, intelligent, left-wing, female can be called. Most are not fit for print. So no, Joe has not been called names.
Joe’s very mean-spirited letter regarding Doug Routley got exactly the response it deserved. Political opinion is one thing, a personal attack and transparent attempt at humiliating an individual is another. Perry Foster does himself no credit defending Joe on this. David Lowther is a good and fine individual for standing up and calling Joe out on it. I thought he showed great restraint on the words he used.
If Perry Foster and Joe Sawchuk want to keep advocating for the people, groups, and political parties whose actions have reduced the quality of life of so many then they should be prepared for a strong and immediate response from people who find the actions of those people, groups, and political parties reprehensible. If they do not like being shown in a light that is less than flattering, then they should probably examine what they are saying instead of calling the responses petty and spiteful.
Dara Quast
Cobble Hill
