LETTER TO THE EDITOR RE: THE "BRUINOOGE" EFFECT
by Sarah Sonne
The Edmonton Journal, October 24 2008
I thank Rebecca Walberg for her article. As a young, socially conservative voter in Canada, I fully agree with her that ignoring and isolating so-con voters because we have no other "choice" in who we vote for is costing the Conservative Party. I do not live in Winnipeg, yet I made the effort to volunteer for Rod Bruinooge's campaign over the phone because he is one of the few MPs in Canada who is bold enough to be a socially conservative voice when speaking out on moral issues is discouraged.I voted, and volunteered in campaigns, because I am passionate about my nation, but I know of many people who, at the last minute, decided to spoil their ballot or not vote after hearing that a Harper government would not support legislation that restricts abortion. With 56 per cent of Canadians opposing Morgentaler's Order of Canada, and 75 per cent of Canadians supporting protection for unborn victims of crime, it makes no sense for the Conservative Party to silence its MPs, whip votes on freedom of conscience issues, and ignore the majority of Canadians whom they are supposed to represent. I am indebted to Rod Bruinooge and other MPs who fight for my values, and I hope that the "Bruinooge effect" becomes Conservative policy. Maybe then, my friends will show up to vote, because they will actually have a voice in the House of Commons.