Sent to Regina Leader Post and Saskatoon Star Phoenix:
Dear Editor;
Murray Mandryk describes the Green Party as a "fringe party" similar
to the Marijuana and Western Independence Parties (SP and LP July 11).
He then quotes Professor Ken Rasmussen (University of Regina): the
Greens are a "single-issue party." Ouch.
The challenge is on! I would accept “small party” but … “fringe”?
Fringe would mean that Green views don't represent average citizens,
that they are more extreme that those of most people.
Today it’s “fringe” to believe that climate change
is not real. In times past the Green Party may have become fringe because
it was informed and ahead of the crowd. It is a thought leader. When
the crowd catches up we become mainstream. Other parties follow.
“
Single issue”?
Without environmental protection there is no social justice. The less
advantaged cannot afford to buy their way to clean water or uncontaminated
food (to health).
A smart “advantaged” person also knows that their grandchildren
will not be able to buy their way to security and health of person
if we do not achieve social justice and environmental protection in
our generation. The future of our children is threatened if we cannot
find the path to peace, respect, and fairness among the peoples of
the world.
I invite you to acquaint yourself with the Green Party and its people.
You will find well-developed and specific policies that cover a range
of issues. Yes, we address energy sources, protection of water supply
and climate change. But we also have concrete proposals for Canadian
ownership, sustainable development, sharing with indigenous communities,
and ending subsidies to transnational corporations. There is policy
on agriculture and food, electoral reform, health, resource development,
and education.
Health policy focuses on prevention. Weapons made with depleted uranium
used in killing wars put radioactive dust particulars in the winds
of the world. They travel in the same way as chemicals from the south
turn arctic fish into toxic food not recommended for eating. High cancer
rates, asthma, and developmental problems in children are associated
with contamination.
The Greens work to improve democracy in Canada. The sole responsibility
of government is the public interest. Too often the governments protect
the self-interest of large corporations and the influential. An uncompromised
regulatory system that delivers health-giving air, water, soil, and
food in the long term is a must. Decision-making motivated by short
term power has created serious problems that will be remedied by changes
to our electoral system. And by the votes that "go green" as
the momentum of the Green Party grows.
Green Party policy is largely common sense that takes responsibility
for tomorrow’s children. It is my heritage and responsibility,
in the example set by my grandparents, to foresee and to “save” so
that grandchildren will be okay. Most people in Saskatchewan have that
same view. This is the Green Party.
I welcome questions (306-373-8078), or visit our web-site: www.greenpartysask.ca and/or
www.sandrafinley.ca
If the Green Party is “single issue”, the issue is the
search for a new way of being in this world, a way of being that ensures
a fair future.
Sincerely,
Sandra Finley,
Leader, Green Party of Saskatchewan
656 Saskatchewan Cres East
Saskatoon SK
S7N 0L1
306-373-8078
sabest1@sasktel.net