The StarPhoenix, Wednesday, January 23, 2008

Letter to the editor
Northeners won't accept Liberal sham of democracy

by Frank Tomkins

The interference by senior Liberals in the Desnethé-Missinippi-Churchill River byelection has torched a political firestorm they may have difficulty putting out.

Gone are the days when someone from the South could go up North and buy an election with a few jugs of wine. We now have students from many of the communities attending university, some graduating as educators, nurses, doctors, lawyers, you name it.

They no longer tolerate people with an Indian agent mentality insulting them by deciding what is good for them. Take note, Ralph Goodale and Stéphane Dion.

Many aboriginal people from the North fought in the Second World War, the Korean War and some are fighting today. Four of my brothers and I were in the Second World war, and it was not for the kind of "democracy" being handed down to us now.

It's been said many times that this is not about John Dorion, David Orchard or Joan Beatty. I fully agree. I have known Joan for many years and her family for many more, and I have the greatest respect for her. All I can say is that I am terribly sorry she has been put in a position where she will probably lose.

As for Goodale saying former Liberal candidate Jim Durocher's criticism is personal and not worthy of comment, that's the excuse politicians use when they get caught with their pants down.

Frank Tomkins
Saskatoon

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