As I read the letters to the editor in the Gazette each week, I am often impressed by the thoughtful and logical arguments put forward by many citizens in St. Albert. Clearly, these letter writers are not merely concerned about a problem, they are prepared to put in the hard work to draft a coherent letter. They also have the intestinal fortitude to sign their letters and let the entire city know where they stand.
Obviously, I don't agree with every writer because, to ensure there is some balance, the editorial staff often publish letters in which the opinions are diametrically opposed. However, as I read and digest the content of these letters I have the opportunity to reconsider my personal views on the issue. These letters can cause me to revise, reverse, or reinforce my existing opinions on the topic at hand. These letters, I suggest, provide a vehicle for the reader to develop a more enlightened perspective on the various issues that arise in the city from time to time.
Then, occasionally, I read a letter complaining about the fact that these citizens have taken the time to write and publish their opinions on various municipal issues. Presumably it is untoward for people to critically examine and evaluate city's policies and practices. Presumably everyone is supposed to write nothing but pious platitudes exalting the mayor and the city. Their position seems to be that everyone is to follow along like sheep and somehow if you express your own independent thoughts on a particular issue and those do not perfectly coincide with the existing policies you should be declared a non-citizen of St. Albert.
The problem with the above approach is very simple. Living in a democracy is not a spectator sport. It takes people who have a deep and abiding faith in our liberal democratic traditions and who are willing to participate to ensure the democracy remains vibrant. The numerous people who are prepared to commit the time, effort, and courage to publish their opinion in the St. Albert Gazette should be commended ... not denigrated simply because they may have a different opinion than that of the existing city administration. To produce the best possible society for the citizens of St. Albert, we should strive to be a participatory democracy not one which simply defers to whatever policies the city administration happens to conjure up.
Gord Hennigar, St. Albert
