In recent days we have learnt that 50% of funding for the protests/occupation in Ottawa has come from interests outside Canada and mainly from the United States. We have also heard how some of the organizers of this occupation are from the far right. This 'protest" does not strike me as a very Canadian way of dealing with our differences. We can disagree with each other but still try and work things out, that for me is part of what it is to be Canadian. In the United States former U.S. President, Donald Trump said that Canadian truckers were protecting "American values" and, yes well, I agree with him. They are.

It is scary to see our country so polarized and to see the rise of influence of the far right. On Friday, Friday February 18th I called our local MPP Bill Walker's office to see if he had made a statement about what was happening with the protests. I ended up speaking with one of Bill Walker's staff, Chris, who told me that Bill Walker had not made a statement and "had no intention" to make one. My concern is that with extremists, no matter which part of the political spectrum they come from, silence is interpreted as "they are with us." I recognize that with elected officials in taking a clear position they run the risk of losing votes come next election. Or a protest being camped on your doorstep. There is however a time and place for politics and a time and place for governing. If no statement is made by Bill Walker, no position taken, he will still end up speaking volumes about where he stands.

Michael M

source: letter to the editor