WCR Letters to the Editor

Socialist economies doing quite well

I find the opinion by Moore to be wanting in terms of his knowledge of left or right governments. I offer the following facts for his enlightenment:

1. He states that Liberal and leftists do not fight deficits.

   Fact: The federal Liberals at this point, and socialist Saskatchewan have done a pretty good job of deficit reduction.

2. He says only right-wingers believe in the necessity of wealth creation before redistributing it.

   Fact: Clement Atlee, prime minister of Great Britain many years ago, was the last socialist to nationalize any industry - subsequently de-nationalized. Every left of centre government in the first world has enhanced the growth of the economic engines of industry and commerce.

   European nations have by and large been socialist since the Second World War. Germany is one of the leading nations in the world in terms of industrial growth, exports and social programs.

3. The real smasher is, as he says: "Even poor people in our capitalist society are generally better off than all but the most wealthy in Third World socialist economies."

   Fact: Where has Moore been? The European Union of some 19 or 20 nations is presently comprised of almost all socialist regimes. Most of them, as noted above re; Germany, have been centre-left governments for years. Japan has had governments which have been very much involved in left of centre government practices sincethe Second World War.

Phillip H. Walker
Edmonton

Alliance willing to stand by its values

While there is nothing in the Alliance platform saying anything about gays or abortion, Stockwell Day's party is daily categorized as "dangerous" and "bigots" and "religious fundamentalists."

It doesn't matter that the Alliance is going to put more money back into Canadian's pockets, return health care funding to its proper place, and eliminate the kind of waste the Liberals are under criminal investigation for. Because once the Alliance is in power, "they're going to impose their religious values on the country and destroy it." So say the fear-mongerers.

The tremendous irony in this, is Chretien is apparently a devout Roman Catholic - a faith which is opposed to abortion, homosexual practice, and much of everything the left supports.

So why aren't they accusing the Liberals of also being dangerous? Because Day had the courage to say publicly, "These are my values. That's who I am, like it or not."

But on these moral issues, Day has said he'll let the public decide by referendum. The Liberals on the other hand, push through ideals - whether we like it or not. Who, I ask, is more dangerous to democracy?

Mark Mallett
Edmonton

Liberal policies are disturbing

First, Chretien has now come out and stated he is pro-abortion (article in Calgary Herald on Oct. 31). In the same article he still claims to be a Roman Catholic. Figure that one out?

Secondly, the Liberals' stand on child pornography is despicable. Chretien is even ridiculing the Canadian Alliance party for using the not-withstanding clause in trying to stop child pornography. Personally I can find it easier in my heart to forgive a murderer than someone involved any way in child pornography.

Third, the Liberal government has even talked about changing the holiday name of "Christmas" to something that will not offend people. Well, I take great offence to the fact that they want to remove any hint to Christ on the anniversary of his birth.

I could also mention their stand on same-sex marriages, gay rights and other issues but these letter could then go on infinitely.

The above issues are dear to me as a citizen, practicing Catholic, member of the Knights of Columbus, and mainly because I am a husband and father of five.

Ted Zdunich
High River

Charter makes everyone a victim

A socialist society is a godless society that always turns into a decaying and declining society.

You all-too-often portray the worker or the wealthy as the villain and the poor as the stepped-on and downtrodden "victim." Despite our socialist government, our small population and enormous resources, there are still lots of opportunities for the worker.

The victims in our society should look in the mirror for their solutions.

How can you glorify liberalism and Pierre Trudeau when he brought us abortion on demand, no-fault divorce and the Charter of Rights which has made everyone "victims."

Doug Wolbeck
Heisler

Cheap shots at Trudeau's expense

Sometimes for the sake of our community of faith, it may be prudent to look the other way. Henry nitpicks his way through Pierre Elliot Trudeau's funeral and comes close to reifying liturgy to such an extent that mere mortals just don't count.

Henry treads not so gently on a very solemn occasion in his quest for "good" liturgy. If we follow Henry's logic, Cardinal Jean-Claude Turcotte and Father Jean-Guy Dubuc are accomplices in promoting a "bad" liturgy.

I am reminded of a talk I had with child care workers many years ago. They found it very easy to tell me all the negative things regarding an emotionally disturbed child, but wrestled with finding something positive to say.

Henry used the backdrop of the Trudeau family's suffering to teach us a lesson in good liturgy - that's cheap media.

Byron Price
Calgary

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