Respecting essential democratic protocol

Although I am not a member of any of the political parties running in this election, I filed a complaint with the Pincher Creek RCMP regarding the recent destruction of campaign signs around our area. From my point of view this disrespect for democratic principals should not go unnoticed and should have substantial consequences for offenders.

The casual response by the RCMP; the non-response of the political party spending considerable resources to recover from the loss and the suggestion from Elections Alberta that this is beyond their control sends a resounding signal that we are on the slippery slope that has historically led to authoritarian government.

Many of your readers will have ancestors that came here to escape political oppression and to live without fear of persecution for their religious and political beliefs. As we all know that is what a democratic system enables, and we have a responsibility as citizens to uphold the tenets it is built on including the right to promote candidates.

It is my sincere hope that those who may be feeling anger or threatened enough to destroy their political opponent’s signs will pause to contemplate a country or a Province that is controlled by a single political party; after all they all do things we don’t agree with.

Mike Judd