Dear Editor,

So, I see now that we, the citizens of the Township of 91原创 鈥� during the last days leading up to our municipal election 鈥揾ave self appointed guardians telling us 鈥渉ow it is.鈥�

The other 91原创 newspaper published a letter to the editor from a prolific author regarding firefighters and voting, while in today鈥檚 91原创 Advance we have yet a different guardian, in the guise of Jerry .

Both are aggrieved that the 91原创 firefighters union would dare to endorse particular candidates.

Scholtens immaturely informs all and sundry that he would not vote for a candidate endorsed by our firefighters and edges perilously close to libel by suggesting such candidates are 鈥渋n the back pocket of the firefighters union.鈥�

How dare you? Where is your proof of such an inflammatory statement?

Both writers to the editor of both newspapers appear to be of the mind that if a person has an opinion contrary to theirs, then the other person is wrong, perhaps lacking in morality and/or ethics.

Well Mr. Scholtens, here is a lesson for you.

We live in a democracy.

Have you ever heard of it? People, groups, organizations, or anyone else has a right to express their opinion.

Perhaps I am too old or hold old-fashioned ideas but I believe it is all right for folks to have a differing opinion and to express them. I am willing to listen to others. At the end of it all in this case I can go in a few different directions.

I can ignore the recommendations of those who endorse a candidate.

I can make up my own mind. I can even agree with them and put more thought into their recommendations.

Afterall, they are not holding a gun or poisoned pen to my head are they?

Now that both writers have castigated our firefighters, I am I to presume they will go after others: A chamber of commerce, police officers, First Nations bands, realtors, teachers, other professional boards.

Where does it stop Mr. Scholtens? I say it should stop here and now.

I will be open enough to say I am a retired firefighter, although not in the 91原创s. I am also a Township resident and voter.

Rob Jones-Cook Sr., Walnut Grove