People behind the blockades don’t represent everyone

By Lethbridge Herald on February 9, 2022.

Editor:

As a proud Canadian farmer, and a person of faith – my response to the unlawful blockading of our Alberta border and in Ottawa is unequivocal – you don’t represent me!

It’s true, all Canadians are exhausted from the implications of COVID on our lives. It is also hard to understand the logic and timing of the rules, and changes. To protest as a response – fine! To blockade – simply unacceptable. No matter who you are.

As a Canadian, flow through our borders, and across this vast country is critical to our daily lives. As a farmer, that flow is critical to my livelihood. When you purposely mess that up – you don’t represent me.

As a person of faith – the principal that permeates to the top is quite simple: I am to demonstrate love in the way I live – particularly to the vulnerable, or less fortunate. Translation: I need to be more selfless, and less selfish. Hard to do, yet what an aspiration for an individual, or a Nation! That the Coutts, Alberta blockaders could find a “pastor” who seemingly skipped that principle in promoting blockades both shocks and saddens me. 

I hear neither love, nor selflessness in his rhetoric. You do not represent my Christian faith.

To the vast majority of truckers who continue to try to do their jobs – Thank You so much! 

To the frontline workers of all stripes, who deal directly with the fallout of COVID, the rules, and our “rights” – God bless you for your dedication! You represent beautifully, and selflessly.

 To our leaders and police: Thanks for serving in such trying times. Serve the majority, seek their voice and apply our laws.

Challenge 2022: Skip the complaining, and blockading. Instead, be more selfless. Let’s build each other up.

Ed Donkersgoed

Coaldale