Editor:
I have attended portions of two all-candidates "debates" now, and I have read countless newspaper articles and listened to (and watched) numerous radio and television discussions and programs.
The predominant theme in all of the talk and activity in the course of the current election campaign does not - surprise, surprise - seem to be "the issues," of which there are many (and worthwhile as well). Instead, the predominant "issue" that keeps permeating the public discourse is that of independent or party - and it shouldn't be.
Vicki Huntington's status as an independent candidate in the previous provincial election may have served some vague purpose, but it was a very narrow purpose. It demonstrated unrest within the riding and registered a protest. That was really all it did.
That kind of candidacy in the context of a provincial government has a very short shelf life and extremely limited prospects. Life is a team game. Much as we sometimes find it difficult to get along with our teammates, get along we must - if we ever hope to accomplish anything.
We can disagree, but we absolutely have to find common ground on matters that we are called upon to discuss and address, or everything we do will eventually - and quickly - descend into bickering and squabbling, accomplishing nothing.
It's time to ditch all this independent blather and get on with actually building and accomplishing something. This independent stuff seems to be all about the "nos" and the "nevers." It criticizes and expresses mock horror.
It needs to do differently than that. It needs to build, but it can't, because it is so focused on its shortsighted "independence." It forgets that people working together are the people that actually give us stuff.
It seems to have defined itself almost as an issue and a virtue unto itself. It isn't a virtue; it's a stance and it's outlived its usefulness.
Firth Bateman
