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Trudeau likely to follow in father’s footsteps

Even if you did not agree with his governing philosophies, you had to admit he was an accomplished politician and ardent Canadian.

Even if you did not agree with his governing philosophies, you had to admit he was an accomplished politician and ardent Canadian. He promoted his eastern liberal interests with dedication, verve and style. He was however, no friend of the west. As a blue-collar workingman I suffered more than mere discomfort when PE Trudeau implemented his ‘national energy program’ in the early 80s.

We may soon have an opportunity to quarantine that particular brand of government once again. Enter Justin Trudeau. His family history is steeped in an arrogant disregard for our western culture and he has no compunction in adding even further absurd impositions on our good nature.

The latest series of insults include his promise to re-establish the long gun registry. His further imperious comments about our provincial resource of oil and gas only serve to fuel national discord and promote alienation from our eastern brothers and sisters many of whom we need - to develop and exploit our various resources including the target of Justin’s uneducated criticism, – the oil sands.

We all know no one is perfect. We do however expect and deserve a higher level of moral commitment to obedience of the law of the land. It is a shame to have to express disappointment in a high-ranking political figure (inexplicably well-respected in some circles) not only for the breaking of the federal drug laws but to admit it with such a cavalier and unmitigated expectation of impunity.

I know it will be argued the law in question is archaic by today’s diminished standards but only those undeterred by the stigma of criminality and dedicated drug users (recreational and otherwise) boldly take the position the law should be ignored. They then counsel others to do the same which is in itself a (typically unenforced) criminal offence. Justin is a popular figure among the youth and is in a position to exert a positive influence. I appreciate his candid admission that he only used drugs four or five times - that took courage. He missed a perfect opportunity however, to denounce drug use and send a pro-social message to those who do like and trust him. His media hours would be better spent in discouraging rather than encouraging negative behaviours.

Until a law is repealed or legislatively amended by due process and not merely ignored in private opinion, it is still law and must for the sake of the public interest at least appear to be respected especially by those who aspire to be legislators.

Don Ahlquist

Gull Lake