Dear Editor
Re: “Debate Must be Civil”
Your comment “To regrettably paraphrase Donald Trump, attacks came from both sides…” not only shows your lack of knowledge on world events, but is also extremely inappropriate when referencing a debate on Pride events because that comment, from Donald Trump, was used to justify white supremacy in Charlottesville specifically. Three people died that day. The KKK, and other affiliations, showed up a day early and attacked about a dozen students and kept various religious affiliated clergy hostage in a church.
The next day at the event, the “alt-right” as they have been called also physically charged at the police and the clergy when protestors stepped in and fought back to defend clergy and citizens. It was in fact the protestors or “leftists” who brought trained paramedics and attempted to assist Heather Heyes first; the murdered woman who was walking with the crowd away from the “alt-right.”
The “alt-right” only brought weapons and hatred. Both sides did not kill three people. They did not shout about the statue they said they were there to defend. They shouted slurs at minority populations. Many leaders of many countries have made it clear that there were no “two sides” and for the Western Wheel to regurgitate this as fact, makes you just as bad as Trump.
Secondly, contrary to the Western Wheel, you can’t “promote” a “gay lifestyle.” It is not a position to apply for. It is not something a person can convert to like door-to-door religious affiliations. When gay people come door to door knocking to ask if you would like to convert, then you can call it “promoting” – until then….stop it. Really.
Debates can be civil. Key leadership is important when creating debates. Media, politicians, or any group of people in authority within the debate has a responsibility to the public to be set the stage for civility. Words are important Western Wheel, please choose them carefully.
Mordecai Dueck
Okotoks
