The country isn’t just the protesters

By Lethbridge Herald on February 18, 2022.

Editor:

I will be 84 years old this year. I was born here and have lived here in this democratic country all my life.

My understanding of democracy is that during an election campaign candidates present the policy of their party. On election day people vote for the party of their choice. The winner forms the government for the next four years and all the parties work together for the good of the people in general.

When I observed protesters of the Freedom Convoy flying Confederate flags, Swastikas, American flags, Trump flags and our Canadian flag upside down on Capital Hill, I actually felt so sick I had to go lie down for the rest of the day.

 Subsequent to that I have learned from the news on TV and various news articles the misery and hardships this small minority in Canada has caused hundreds and hundreds of law abiding citizens.

But what is even more appalling is to see elected officials of the Opposition party of which I was once a member supporting them. 

Shaking hands and taking pictures with them. It was my understanding that once you were elected you represented all the constituents of your riding not just the small minority.

I am too old to run for elected office and do not have the physical stamina to join anti protest demonstrators. 

All I can do is write letters and encourage others who feel as I do to do so as well. 

It looks like we can no longer take our democracy for granted. Someone said the pen is mightier than the sword.

One of the protesters was screaming, “I want my country back.” So do I and it has been mine much longer than it has been his.

Patricia Kroker

Lethbridge