Regarding MLA defends public funding for private schools, published in the Oct. 23, 2018 edition of the Olds Albertan and written by Olds-Didsbury-Three Hills MLA Nathan Cooper:
Mr. Cooper thinks that the public should fund private schools, and I totally disagree with his views. If a parent wants his/her child to attend a private school, that is his/her choice. But we, the public, should not have to pay for that choice; no more than the public should pay for someone’s car, tractor, farm, condo or vacation.
I hear members of the UCP (United Conservative Party) talking about having smaller government and for governments being fiscally responsible, yet Mr. Cooper wants private enterprise to be supported with the public’s money.
What’s next? Our money to build new hockey arenas for the rich and powerful? How about a new airline for the UCP, like the PCs (Progressive Conservatives)? How about spending money for a new golf course, or for building new marijuana facilities in Olds, Trochu and Innisfail?
Did he mention that the province is already paying more than $260 million into private schools? Who made that decision? When? Why?
If the UCP wins the next election (“Don’t count your chickens before they’re hatched”), will UCP Leader Jason Kenny and Mr. Cooper allow for a referendum on this issue? Let the public decide, eh? If not, why not?
Lastly, I reject his views that “the radical left in our society takes delight in tearing down the achievements of previous generations.” That’s Trump talk. His style is: don’t use facts, just use fear mongering, slurs and insults.
Just because people oppose Mr. Cooper's views doesn’t make them “radicals” because they have a right to express their opinions as well. Did Mr. Cooper forget that men and women have died protecting those rights? Or does he think that democracy is only reserved for a select few?
George Thatcher
Trochu
