Dear Editor:
Clearly my letter questioning the bias of publisher David Adsett’s editorial about the protest convoy touched a nerve and he chose to double down and say that my response was fictitious, contorted, make believe and eliminated context to come to my opinion. Really?!
The same dismissive, divisive approach that our prime minister used at the beginning of protest that now has criticism directed at him from all parties including his own at the handling of this situation.
Let me state emphatically that I’m for free, peaceful protest and do not condone blockades or disrespectful discourse. This has not garnered much good will for protestors that may have started with good intentions. As far as being a free country, we have every right to keep our politicians and government in check to make sure those freedoms are not abused.
Adsett only reinforced my argument about people’s right to a livelihood without impediment such as those affected by blockades and equally by those that lose their job for not allowing a vaccine to be injected into their bodies. There are many options to protecting the public besides vaccines.
The truckers were exempt from vaccines and had to submit to testing in lieu of vaccination at the beginning of this pandemic because of them being essential. What changed? What science identifies their risk to others? Not one level of government or public health unit has answered that question.
Our prime minister continues to evade providing any definitive plan about removing restrictions or what benchmarks will be used to lift those restrictions. All other parties have unanimously requested this from his government. Is it any wonder people are questioning his competence or motives?
Speaking of freedoms, it’s interesting to note the government’s attempts to investigate origins of and freeze donations to this protest. Did they investigate and attempt to freeze donations to pipeline and rail line blockades and a myriad of other protests in this country? I think not.
I agree, Mr. Adsett, that we are currently a free country and a great deal of us have been more than patient and respectful. I can’t say that same respect was shared by our government and some segments of the media.
Steve Charbonneau,
Erin