Dear Editor,
[RE: Bistro bashed for hosting Poilievre, The News, Jan. 16]
It saddens me that someone can be punished for such a minor offence as expressing their freedom of expression.
Canada is a democracy, and in any true democracy, the ability to express your own opinions is if not the key, one of the most key factors within a democracy.
Canada has freedom of expression laws, outlined in Section 2b of the Canadian Charter of Rights and Freedoms. Ms. [Veronica] Reale has the legal right to serve such Conservatives and host them in her business.
Do not think I come from a “right” opinion (even though the political compass may be stupid) I do call myself a Bull Moose and am very progressive when it comes to the majority of issues.
But, as someone who is an enjoyer of politics, to see that people find it ok to get angry at someone for expressing such a simple belief as supporting the opposing party is something that will only harm our democracy.
There is no other way to it; limiting freedom of expression only harms a democracy, and will eventually fall into a dictatorship. We see it in the U.S., right now, with Donald Trump’s quite harsh policies he has inacted hurting people’s ability and right to express themselves and let a democracy prosper.
If I was to host the NDP at my fictional restaurant, would I experience the same hate?
I guarantee not! While I do prefer the NDP over the Conservatives, that fact alone is harmful and dangerous.
The right to express oneself is integral, shall not be hindered, and it is the same with freedom of speech.
As members of a democracy, it is our #1 goal to protect those two rights, and I hope everyone who reads this pledges themselves towards such a goal.
J.K. Andrew Pabst, Maple Ridge