The Editor,
Re. “Donations to BC Liberals are far from ‘grassroots’” (As I See It, The Tri-City News, Jan. 27).
When I read Dermod Travis’ opinion piece, with its focus on political fundraising, I found myself wondering how Mr. Travis funds his organization, Integrity BC. Lo and behold, when I checked his website, I discovered a “donate” button. But try as I might, I couldn’t seem to find any disclosure of donations. Perhaps it’s posted there somewhere but I couldn’t see it.
Nevertheless, logic suggests to me that if the viewpoints advocated by Mr. Travis were sufficiently compelling and attractive, supporters would flock to his side in greater numbers than currently appears to be the case. So, I’m left wondering whether Mr. Travis’ opinion piece might perhaps be a case of the pot calling the kettle black or merely a garden variety case of sour grapes.
As Mr. Travis must surely know, every person in British Columbia is free to come together (i.e., to associate) around a political viewpoint or a cause and free to find resources with which they can mount a supportive campaign. To my mind, this fundamental freedom is the bedrock of democracy and should not be tampered with. That is how democracy works and I have no problem with any group or political party, including Mr. Travis’ organization, availing itself of the tools of democracy.
And let me say this: One only has to look around the country to see which province is outpacing all of the others, and in so many different ways.
We are clearly doing something right here in British Columbia in how we approach things. Those who present a compelling positive vision for our province, one that attracts support and supporters, should therefore be applauded and encouraged, not condemned and disparaged.
Christopher Law,
Port Moody
