Discussions

Yesterdays editorial in the Journal had a comment within it that caught my attention, the quote was attributed to Drew Caldwell, the NDP incumbent for Brandon East: "Brandon East is the fifth poorest riding in the Province". This was said in the context of why he is not able to raise enough funds to purchase new signs for his election campaign.  
 
Fifth poorest? Pardon me for being harsh, but I find that appalling!  
 
No desire to offend anyone in this great Province is intended, but I had always been under the impression that we down here in the southern portion of the Manitoba were, well, lucky to be better off than the North. It is the North that is portrayed to be the area with more socio / economic problems. It is the North that always appears to be the place were problems exist in terms of law infractions, health care access difficulties, lack of educational opportunities and the like.  
 
But to be told that out of all the ridings in Manitoba, those living within the second largest community in Manitoba, in an area being targeted by the incumbent as one that has been subjected to an endless supply of dollars and initiatives by the governing party is actually well established as a have not area!  
 
To say I am shocked is putting it mildly.  
 
I have been a supporter of the provincial NDP for decades. I have always believed that is they who would do the most to ensure that the little guy was being looked after. The past few years though have made me have this lingering doubt about that, a feeling that not all was quite right with the convictions I had been adhering too.  
 
And now to be told flat out that Brandon, a region that many have been saying has suffered second class treatment from the powers that be, is in fact home to one of the poorest area in the Province, as stated by the person who more than anyone else has had the last 8 years to rectify the situation, absolutely floors me.  
 
I am sorry Mr. Caldwell, but I can honestly say that your comment has single handily left me in a state of confusion as to what party I will be voting for on the 22nd. I feel betrayed and used for what you and your party have allowed to occur to this great City of ours.