Responsible journalism requires sincere inquiry, values accuracy over sensationalism and informs readers instead of merely exciting them.
While opinion pieces enjoy greater leeway with respect to these tenets of good journalism, Grits On Life-Support (November 16) has neglected these good practices and requires response.
To declare the Liberal party, either territorially or federally, is dead is to assert democracy in Canada comprises only polar opposites: a right and left, like the US Democrat versus Republican ideologies.
Instead, like the 4,000 people who voted for the Yukon Liberal Party last month, I believe in moderate Liberal principles that are neither right nor left, but forward.
We believe in a strong economy and a healthy environment, individual opportunity and a hand-up to neighbours in need, cultural diversity and shared Canadian values.
Our own Yukon political history shows from 1992 to 1996, Jack Cable was the only Liberal MLA in the legislature.
In 2000, the Liberals formed government.
From 2000 to 2002, Peter Jenkins was the only Yukon Party MLA.
In 2002, the Yukon Party formed government.
From 2002 until November 2005, Pat Duncan was the sole Liberal MLA.
In 2006, the Liberals formed the official Opposition.
And in the summer of 2011, Liz Hanson was the sole NDP MLA.
This fall, the NDP formed the official Opposition.
Based on Mostyn’s analysis, all of our territorial political parties to this date should have been wiped out.
The history backs the assumption all political parties rise and fall in public favour.
It should be also noted that there are important and legitimate ideological differences between the parties.
I do not vote NDP to prevent a Conservative majority. I do not vote Yukon Party to stymie a socialist administration. I vote Liberal because I want to see Liberal values reflected in my government.
As we’ve recently seen, thousands of Yukoners and millions of Canadians feel the same.
This Thursday, November 24, we will be celebrating the election and re-election of our Liberal MLAs at an event at MacBride Museum.
These days, it may be radical to be Canadian centrists, but we remain in very good company and always invite others to join us.
Cherish Clarke, president
Yukon Liberal Party
Whitehorse