Letter: We must have faith in those who step forward

By Letter to the Editor on March 13, 2021.

Dear editor,

I’m writing in response to the letter from Drayton Vally bemoaning the current state of affairs in the province. No, not DND affairs, apparently writing about the current government.

In my rather long life, I’ve always found it interesting how people dramatize situations and engage in over-the-top rhetoric. The writer appears to indicate that Alberta’s healthcare and education systems have been severely cut and somewhat destroyed since the UCP was elected. The budget and staff numbers I’ve seen don’t show that. My personal position is the government is spending far too much time talking, and not acting decisively, on such matters as an Alberta police force, collecting taxes, challenging Ottawa and Quebec on energy matters, and so on.

I served in the RCAF in Europe. From where I sit as a senior citizen, having survived many crises, some directly and some indirectly, from polio to the Cold War, threatened nuclear war, SARs, 911, Strontium-90 in milk, President Kennedy’s assassination, many wars and famines, Cuba missile crisis, and so on. I see little evidence of any real and substantial changes in Alberta by the UCP. However, one must reflect on the fact that generally well-managed places like Alberta may not need many, compared to many other places in the world.

The current dissatisfaction evident across the province from UCP supporters results, in my view, from too little action, not too much. Healthcare can stand some changes, as well as the education system. The COVID matter has obviously slowed some things down, however, I’d argue it’s possible to deal with COVID and accomplish other needed changes. We need a lot more innovation in the health and education sectors and less hand-wringing and control by government bureaucrats and union leaders, who have a financial stake in the current system. I’ve been a union leader and a bureaucrat. It’s very easy to criticize leaders, of any political stripe, much more difficult to be the decision maker. One needs to consider many outcomes, inputs, stakeholders and of course, money. Obviously getting involved in politics, locally and provincially is the way to have some input and to get changes you may want to be implemented. It’s tough work and we need to have some faith in all who step forward, regardless of the team they may prefer.

Finally, we love living in Alberta and Medicine Hat. We moved back after being away, living in five countries and four provinces, and found the benefits here are amazing – no sales tax, a great pharmaceutical plan for seniors, good roads, beautiful outdoors, fresh water and air, lots of sunshine and good people. Regards.

Roger Beebe

Medicine Hat

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