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Jackson's column a rational voice from the right

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Roger Jackson is the boomer conservative I've been waiting to read in the Gazette's Opinion section. His Nov. 16 piece well-conveyed the tone and outlook of the sort of level-headed conservatism that is so necessary in Alberta's democratic society.

I consider myself largely politically dead-centre with left-leaning dalliances. When revelling with my friends on the farther Left, I often assume a devil's-advocate stance in debates, entertaining the opposing view to the Right. Describing a conservative point of view as "devil's" advocacy is a mistake, however; public debate thrives on substantive, measured contributions on both sides. Reading about Mr. Jackson's recent political beliefs-audit was encouraging insofar as it proved that, in spite of the shrill, vindictive tone that characterized rural conservative opinion of late (I'm referring to the utterly s-t-u-p-i-d Wexit fervor that's flashed in the pan since the federal election), that older generations of staunch conservatives aren't without the organ of self-assessment that's so important in putting one's own views into sober perspective.

Political conservatism shouldn't be written off wholesale, and the Left seemingly does this only too eagerly and at its peril. The truth is, there is a rational, reasonable voice from the Right that deserves respect; conservative points of view, such as that expressed so amicably as Mr. Jackson's, should prompt some reflective, charitable consideration from those across the political aisle. This is how gaps are bridged. Measured and thoughtful conservatism should be encouraged in Alberta (and Canada's) democratic system; political liberals need to be mindful of the opportunity in recognizing the quieter trees within a (temporarily) louder populist forest. We should all take a page from Socrates’ book and recognize the importance in continually and seriously subjecting our own points of view to critical analysis.

Morgan Luethe, St. Albert

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