Not surprised, but saddened, by images

It is with great sadness that I witnessed the recent events in Washington. But it is not with surprise.

The Republican Party is a party of privileged white people and uneducated, misinformed, poor white folks.

For years, the GOP fear of changing demographics has propelled suppression of the vote of minorities and the poor.

This was never more apparent than in the recent elections, where polling stations were closed, mail was curtailed, mail-in voting was questioned, and elections were sought to be overturned.

Against whom? People of colour and the poor.

But the minorities and the disenfranchised are now realizing their power, and they are voting in numbers like never before – and well they should, if society is to change for the better.

Recent correspondence from some Okanagan contributors to certain publications cause me concern. Of particular interest is a recent contribution in which the writer points out the benefits given to the needy by the Canadian government during this time of COVID-19. The writer goes on to state “…an increasing number of low-income people will be voting

Liberal in the next election,” adding that will create a huge challenge for the Conservative party. I hope so.

The writer goes on to complain about a broken promise of electoral reform – stating that a majority of Canadians support proportional representation where the final policy could be decided by a group of radical parties: Communists; Nazis; Truth

Tellers; Oath Keepers; Proud Boys, etc.

Oh yes, they could all have representation and could co-operate under one leader. I wonder if Canadian voters are fully aware of the implications. Maybe if one party does not get a clear majority, there could be a run-off between the top two? Or perhaps minority governments do force co-operation and should remain the norm, despite some shortcomings.

The Liberal government has kept 92% of its promises. I can’t believe anyone believes any party other than the Liberals would have handled the COVID crisis as well. I would like to know those details.

All parties should welcome and encourage all Canadians to vote, no matter their social standing or financial status. Or is this contrary to the wishes of the Harper Conservative Party? I am beginning to think so.

PatrickMacDonald,Kelowna