While at the mall on the weekend,
Conservative candidate for Nickel Belt Margaret
Schwartzentruber approached my table to hand out "business"
cards.
I told her to save herself from handing me
one since I had no interest in voting for the Conservative
Party. I told her politely that I always supported the
New Democratic Party and will continue to do
so in this election.
Sadly, she attempted to tell me a little bit
about NDP policies, and why, according to her I was making a
mistake to support the party. After I engaged her in a small
debate, she even had enough nerve to tell me that when I go to
vote I should use my brains. What candidate in their right mind
would engage voters in such a way? Does she not want to be
elected?
I replied to her comment by informing her
that I had a degree in politics and that I definitely
understood the dynamics behind supporting the NDP. Her response
was that she was twice my age, and that as a consequence, knew
a lot more about politics. I believe it was a mistake for her
to assume that because she is older and a candidate in the
federal election that she would have a greater knowledge of the
political arena than a citizen.
If politicians/candidates want larger voter
turnout, they should begin to treat the electorate as equals
and not as inferiors. I think Schwartzentruber owes me an
apology for her ignorance on the campaign trail.
Darcey Dupuis
Garson
Margaret Schwartzentruber
responds:
I recall the brief conversation with Darcey Dupuis. I don't
recall making hostile comments about engaging his brain when he
votes--although I agree that it is a good idea--or saying I
know more than he does because I am twice his age. I agree with
him that age has nothing to do with knowledge. To be honest, I
admired his enthusiasm and determination to stand up for his
choice. As your Conservative candidate, I have a duty to talk
to as many people as possible. I will undoubtedly say some
stupid things that I will regret, or that will be
misinterpreted. Anyway, I really am sorry, Darcey. I guess if
Jack Layton and the NDP are forgiving Svend Robinson for
stealing a $21,500 diamond ring and letting him run as their
choice in Vancouver, he and all of Nickel Belt will forgive me
for being a Conservative, mother, grandmother, honest business
person, dairy farmer, and sometimes goofy, but usually warm and
caring, sometimes outspoken, but always willing to face up to
my failures, middle-aged woman.