Last Updated:Friday - 09/24/2010
March 24, 2008
WCR Letters to the Editor
Premier Stelmach got his vote
Re: "Running for Election Opens Doors, Hearts, Sobering Realizations" (WCR, March 10).
Glen Argan's description of his election participation was commendable. I admire him for his democratic obligation, endurance, his faithful pursuit.
Regarding the election's conclusion, Argan stated: "While I congratulate Premier Stelmach and wish him well, I have to say that's not much of a mandate." His statement lost me.
I too worked in this election to a lesser degree, but nevertheless important. I spoke at homes. I attended community meetings. I asked questions. I prayed. I was patient to all candidates who came to my home. My family voted.
I discovered this premier in question isn't just some average politician. He is quite a statesman. This premier has to date demonstrated and clearly emphasized that he is, and he intends to be, a dignified, compassionate and responsible leader, a researcher, a listener, a worker, a rational and intelligent human being.
Yet, according to media gurus, he is unaccountable and just an honest farmer, he is dull and powerless, he lacks viciousness when attacked in the house - all of this because he does not use foul language or hug strange ladies and kiss babies or strike out as if he was in the ring opposing darkest beasts.
The tide for this leadership election turned most from that soap-style TV debate. This premier was verbosely and vigorously attacked, scrutinized, terrorized, bullied, scoffed and rudely provoked by three opponents.
Opposing leaders could not say anything positive about him. The premier retained statesmanship.
Who could support blind arrogant leaders? I discussed my observation with four Liberal and two NDP families. Believe it. They firmly and openly stated that they could not vote for blindness and arrogance, after witnessing that catastrophic TV debate.
Political parties are necessary. They sustain our democracy in this greatest province and in this greatest country on our planet. But political parties must select leaders of dignity, of faith, of moral stability, of true statesmanship.
Victor J. Fedyna
Edmonton
. . . and her vote too
While I applaud Glen Argan for acting on his beliefs and running for office in the recent Alberta election, I think he is mistaken when he says the voter turnout is a poor mandate for Ed Stelmach ("Running for election opens doors, hearts, sobering realizations,"WCR, March 10).
I too find it sad that so many people cannot be bothered to vote. I was out of province and took the time and trouble to get a special ballot mailed to me so that I could participate.
While this is not a good excuse for low voter response, I do believe the turnout shows that the majority of people in our province are happy with the governing body.
I was delighted that the people have given Mr. Stelmach, a devout Catholic, the thumbs up to lead our province.
Val Scoffield
Edmonton
Husbands with wives and children have too many obligations
Rev. Leo Hofmann misses the point in advocating a married priesthood (WCR Letters, March 10). While it is true that celibacy is a disciplinary rather than doctrinal matter, married priests are nonetheless undesirable for many reasons.
First, it is not practical. A married priest would be divided and torn between his obligations towards his family and those of his flock. To whom, for example, would he give preference in case of an emergency? Can a dying man in need of the Last Rites count on such a priest if the priests' biological child suddenly became ill?
And what if this married priest had children who grew up to be criminals?
How would this reflect on the Church? Would it not give scandal?
Also, a married priest would not be able to support a family on a priest's salary. If he had a large family, in keeping with Catholic principles he would have to impose on the people for extra funds.
The more children he had the more money he would require and the less service he would be able to provide for that money.
The married priest would also place unwanted burdens on both his own family and his bishop whenever his bishop requires that he be moved to another parish.
The most important reason for enforcing celibacy is that the priest is called to imitate Christ after his own example and way of living. The ministerial priesthood is a "unique priesthood" by which Jesus has promised a more plentiful reward to anyone who would leave everything for God's kingdom.
Just as there are members of the laity who want to take on priestly functions so some priests want to enjoy the pleasures that the laity enjoy.
Both want the best of both worlds, that is, to have their cake and eat it too.
Christ, on the other hand, took up his cross and walked.
Frank Smith
Vancouver
Letter to the Editor - 04/14/08
Letters to the Editor
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