Strong and Free, UCP words and slogan that helped change the colour of Alberta politics from orange to a sea of blue. Eye-catching words that have resonated with great minds and democratic visionaries throughout history.
What do they mean?
Because they are convenient words open to a variety of interpretation by the user, strong and free often convey a very persuasive message of manufactured truth for the purpose of self-interest rather than conveying the essence of reality. They easily become attractive words in business, politics and religion for the sake of consuming, convincing and conversion.
Strong and Free must be used within context.
Free to do what and what do we wish to be free from?
Who are those deserving to be empowered and made stronger?
Democratic governance continues to evolve and has within its design the tools to help empower citizens to figure out a definition and an understanding which is fair, just and reasonable in creating a balance between liberty and equity. Herein lies the struggle.
There is no shortage of opinions, ideologies, economic and political isms to convince us of answers that serve a variety of agendas, many of which make claim to the self-righteous notion of providing the solution that will make all things right. Truth be told, they do not.
It is time that the competitive, adversarial approach within our democratic system to finding solutions be changed to a more collaborative model and instead of fighting each other about what is the right way and the wrong way, come together, establish common ground and find the answers that best serve the common good.
With all due respect to those who are giving and have given their time, passion and energy to provide legitimate democratic governance as we currently experience it, a sincere word of thanks and appreciation. It is not an easy job.
To Rachel Notley and those within her caucus over the past four years, a heartfelt debt of gratitude for your humanity and help in changing the trajectory of politics to a more sensitive appreciation for those who are denied freedom because of circumstance and who need to feel the strength of good social and economic policies.
Best wishes, Mr. Kenney, for your term in office. May I suggest you reflect carefully on the good work and achievements of the government you are replacing. Alberta Strong and Free is a good slogan. There are many in our province, country and world, however, who need to experience this more than others. Please take a page from Rachel Notley and, like her, be mindful of this.
Wilf Borgstede, St. Albert
