Dear Editor:
It was startling to hear that Stephen Harper wants no part in the traditional major pre-election debate on the usual TV channels. — for about a second and a half.
Of course he doesn’t want to participate unless he controls the agenda.
Let us hope that the invitation still exists for the other three parties and that they would go ahead with the opportunity to debate all of the issues that matter to Canadian citizens.
It would be a chance to hear fresh views regarding veterans, health, education, environmental damage, First Nations, the economy, seniors, policing and Canada’s role in world affairs.
We wouldn’t constantly have to listen to “war on terror” and having our fears whipped up to the point where we are not given space to think about other pressing issues.
We wouldn’t have to listen to”clearly” when nothing is clear and “obviously” when nothing is obvious.
I’m really warming to the idea of a debate without Harper.
Listening only to the alternative leaders would be so helpful when in the voting booth to address the question, “Who best can address the many and complicated issues facing Canadians?”
Just one more question: Have we had enough yet? Clearly and obviously.
Susanne Cooper
Summerland