RE: Maverick party releases its election platform

As a supporter of the Mavericks, I have been eagerly awaiting their platform. While their very broad and extensive economic platform is a breath of fresh air, their social policies are not. 

A party that, at its core, is supposed to be about providing a voice to the West, needs to embrace all Western ideals, including pro-life values and pro-traditional marriage values. 

One can argue the party should not take sides, but that defeats the purpose of being a voice for the West. However, the platform not only does not embrace social conservativism, but it actively bars social conservatives from expressing a voice, or introducing legislation to support traditional marriage or restrict abortion. 

We don’t need another party telling the West what it should think or feel or believe, and we don’t need yet another top-down party. The Mavericks have not shown either the temerity or the confidence to embrace the values necessary for sustained electoral success. 

I wanted to vote for them, but unless they permit MPs to have a voice in Ottawa, it’s a hard pass for me. 

Sean Ollech
Prince George, BC

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In October, Edmontonians will choose a new mayor. There are 10 candidates now. Most names are unknown to me. Three that aren’t, are Michael Oshry, Amarjeet Sohi and Mike Nickel. 

I listened to Oshry’s announcement and his answer to why he was running. I didn’t hear a response that really answered the question. He is running because he has a business background and has been on council for four years. Not good enough for me to vote for him

Amarjeet Sohi was on council for 12 years. I can’t support a civic politician who abandoned the city and now wants to return to the civic fold. We don’t need a mayor who aided uncontrolled federal spending on things that appeal to so-call progressives, but which ignore the real challenges facing working Edmontonians.

Mike Nickel has been a thorn in the side of city council and city management. That makes me take him seriously. Who else has consistently raised issues about where we are spending civic tax dollars? He is aware of the social issues we face such as homelessness, but knows what we have been doing so far hasn’t worked. His approach is worth looking at. He has also asked why we have cut front line workers and added managers. No manager ever cleared your streets of snow or fixed your sidewalk. Bicycle lanes have also been something Nickel has railed against. I have no problem with bike lanes, but object to a lack of consultation and a true cost-benefit analysis. 

Terence Harding
Edmonton, AB

RE: SLOBODIAN: Beware the MSM Lies on Israeli-Palestine conflict

Thank you, Western Standard, for this timely article.

Practically no one is reporting the truth anymore, but the Standard. It is refreshing to read columns that push back on government-funded media outlets, especially the CBC. I remember Linda Slobodian from her Edmonton Sun days. She always uncovered the truth and made people think outside the box…..hmmm, with Slobodian, there is no box!! 

Well done.

Doug Martin
Pelham Ont.

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