Dear Editor
I was shocked by the incredibly low voter turnout for the last byelection. If less than 25 per cent is considered “extremely low,” what about 4.05 per cent? Do most people in New West seriously believe city politics, especially byelections, are so “petty or trivial,” having no effect on our lives?
Did the closing of a hospital, noise pollution, traffic woes, garbage collection or reliable electricity all have “no effect on our lives?” In education, does the prompt building (finally!) of a new high school have no effect on our community? Does the appropriate (or inappropriate) distribution of an already tight budget have “no effect on the lives” of our youth?
Do people simply not want democracy anymore? If not the present system, what would they want? Aristocracy or absolute rule by wealthy landowners? Oligarchy by elite corporatists who can do anything they wish? Military rule? Theocracy, like in Iran? (or 15th century Europe?)
A liberal democracy is the best known workable system, which is the best to live under. But it comes with a price. Thirty million people died during the Second World War in defence of democratic systems and constitutional rights … and the vote.
And there is also a responsibility. Under democracy, we are responsible. If we do not choose our leaders rationally, reasonably, and ask ourselves who is the best qualified professional (not mere entertainers or demagogues, please), who will choose the leaders and officers? It is our responsibility.
And if we do not stand up for our rights today, they will be taken away from us in the future, possibly by subtle deception from erosion of proper education.
Terry Hilmar, New Westminster
