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LETTER: Vox Populi from Dec. 10 full of 'rage-based partisan vitriol'

Editor: I rarely agree with the editorial positions of RMO , but I do look forward to reading each issue and considering perspectives that I may not share.

Editor:

I rarely agree with the editorial positions of RMO, but I do look forward to reading each issue and considering perspectives that I may not share.

I’m always open to having my biases and ideology challenged, through thoughtful, evidence-based arguments and opinions.

However, after reading the Vox Populi section of the Dec. 10 issue, any remnant of constructive, thoughtful dialogue has been replaced by what I can only describe as visceral, condescending, and rage-based partisan vitriol.

One would think that the four horsemen of the apocalypse were spotted riding down Bow Valley Trail, with Premier Jason Kenney leading the charge.

Data confirms that Alberta has faired quite well when compared to other provinces, states, and countries. Deaths per capita ranks it fourth in Canada with Ontario, Manitoba and Quebec well out in front.

Although it’s not a fair fight, Alberta would rank virtually dead last in per capita deaths among U.S. states. Only Vermont fairs better. There are 39 European countries that have recorded higher rates of death than Alberta.

It’s unfortunate that the COVID pandemic has become as much a political and media event, as it is a public health crisis.

Elected officials of jurisdictions throughout North America, and beyond, have had the unenviable task of trying to balance the impacts to multiple entities in this crisis, including healthcare workers, healthcare capacity, the elderly, those with chronic health conditions, business closures including bankruptcy and loss of life savings, large-scale unemployment, disruptions to our children's eduction, mental health, and yes, civil liberties. Or, as one of your letter writers described, “the pursuit of libertarian drivel.” 

Businesses and public faculties in Alberta have done an outstanding job of implementing government protocols in an effort to prevent the spread of COVID.

In spite of that, anecdotal evidence suggests that many people continue to disregard these guidelines by attending and hosting social gatherings in private residences. The result of this is predictable and has led to where we are now.

To suggest that our politicians be subject to criminal prosecution is not only absurd, it’s dangerous to our democracy.

Let’s leave the criminal aspect of this to where it really belongs, and that’s at the doorstep of corrupt government officials who covered up the beginnings of this pandemic a year ago and failed to warn the world.

Bruce Robertson,

Canmore

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