Editor:
The following is a copy of correspondence I sent to Banff-Kananaskis MLA Miranda Rosin in response to hers and 15 other UCP MLA's letter on opposing additional public health restrictions and Canmore council's letter in response.
I want to express my strong objection to your letter politicizing steps our government is taking regarding the pandemic. When you talk of "freedoms," you should know there is essentially no such thing as absolute freedom to do as a person wishes. We are constrained in everything we do, every day.
For example, we need a driver's licence to determine our ability to drive a vehicle and we must carry it with us when we drive. We are constrained to drive within certain speed limits and in the proper lanes, regardless of whether we agree with it or not.
These are all laws for the common good. They protect us and they protect society as a whole. They may not necessarily be perfect, but with an attempt to do the most overall good.
In my mind, it's one of the important philosophies that distinguish us from our American neighbours, who have a predominantly Darwinian attitude of their society with that if they're OK, too bad for you if you're not.
There are things Premier Jason Kenney does I don't completely agree with, but I don't think you're helping by publicly criticizing him without a reasoned alternative.
Our health officials recommend the closing of certain businesses to lessen or slow the spread of COVID-19. They are well aware of the competing interests of business success and the health of the bulk of the population.
Your politicizing health matters in the way you have is neither helpful or constructive.
Gordon Meurin,
Calgary
