Re: Nov. 17, 2012, letter titled ‘Socialist Dumb and Dumber should just leave Alberta’
In a letter to the editor by Chris Stephan in the Red Deer Advocate of Nov. 17, he criticizes the paper’s editorial writers for being less than complimentary about actions by Ralph Klein and Stockwell Day.
He uses the term of “socialist agenda” as a put-down when reasonable argument and discussion can not be brought forward.
This method may explain and reinforce opinion of Coun. Stephan’s prevailing negative voting record on city council as being the anti-socialist “economic watchdog.”
In my view, a better way to do that would be by engaging in healthy debate rather than name calling and inviting fellow citizens to move somewhere else.
We have lately been exposed to this negative type of rhetoric and “socialist” name calling by some neighbours to south.
It was unsuccessful there and it will not be successful here.
Finally, this is in praise of the editorial staff of the Red Deer Advocate (they do not need any defence)! As a small city newspaper in a province with continuous one-party rule, they have ably commented on municipal, provincial and federal politics, often providing balance and thoughtful alternate opinion.
It is a role that Mr. Stephan sees for himself in Red Deer city council.
It is an honourable role for him and the Advocate editors, only if everyone refrains from name calling and inviting people with different opinion to move somewhere else.
Sam Denhaan
Red Deer