Dear Editor,
Regardless of which side of the fence you sit on when it comes to this issue of vaccination, you have to admire those that are part of this Convoy to Ottawa.
Something that started out as a simple protest by the Truckers against mandatory vaccination, has taken on a life of its own. Thousands upon thousands of people have joined this convoy, they are coming from all parts of Canada. They are flying the Canadian flags from their trucks. When they roll into a town, they are met by local people--lining the highways and offering free food, snacks and mechanical services to those in the convoy. They are coming together peacefully, without violence.
This convoy is not about whether or not you should be vaccinated. It is about freedom of choice.
I have had people respond to my views with “this is just a waste of time, they could use the money they are spending on this convoy for medical research”....and, they are right. However, we all spend money on unnecessary things, vacations in Mexico, alcohol, meals at a restaurant, designer clothes, the list goes on and on and no one says to you “why are you going on vacation, you could spend money better, in a way it would help others.” These people have chosen to give up their time, and money to be a part of this convoy, and that is their prerogative. It is also your right to disagree with them.
I think people have forgotten that every single one of us is an individual, and we can and do have different viewpoints on many issues. That does not make one viewpoint right or wrong, just different. And this convoy is saying “enough, it is time that one viewpoint (that vaccination should be mandatory) is delegated to just that--a viewpoint--not a law, and not a means of creating segregation.
And finally, a quote from John G. Diefenbaker that sums up what this convoy is all about.
“I am a Canadian, free to speak without fear, free to worship in my own way, free to stand for what I think right, free to oppose what I believe wrong, or free to choose those who shall govern my country. This heritage of freedom I pledge to uphold for myself and all mankind.”
I will add, this is just my viewpoint. You may have a different one.
Terry Ann Diack
Three Hills, Ab
