Anti-NDP fearmongering

Letter to the Editor of the Victoria Times Colonist, 19 January 2000

I was both amused and repulsed by Les Leyne’s recent column, “NDP class clowns of 2000…” (January 18)

Leyne pokes a colourful jab at a government and party in desperate need of renewal. He betrays, however, something more disturbing: his newspaper’s venomous, often baseless, campaign to run the NDP out of office.

The NDP is far from perfect.

It has strayed away from its social democratic roots. It has failed to lead with the vision and the compassion citizens of BC sought in voting NDP.

And yet what is the alternative? Further tax cuts for the corporate sector? Tuition fee increases at our universities? Privatized healthcare in BC?

Leyne states that people “rarely understand” Corky Evans. Maybe the media doesn’t understand him, but Corky speaks to real issues that mean something to working people.

Leyne dismisses the participation of Indo-Canadians in the NDP as “a disruptive influence” that “projects an air of vague menace.” A bigger menace is reactionary fear-mongering.

Progressive policies are the key to the resurgence of social democracy in this province.

$5-a-day child-care, universal post-secondary education, a living minimum wage, and a shorter work week are attainable goals.

Does this paper believe in the democratic process? Will it allow the people of BC to build a better society?

I hope so.