I am really disappointed that the NDP is keeping quiet on the subject of pay increases and pensions for themselves, when so many working-class people are struggling.

I always thought that the NDP would stand up and beside the working people of Canada, but I guess when it comes down to it, it’s everyone for themselves.

In Ontario, where our Liberal government have taken the rights away from teachers, and now freezing the pay for its government workers, is it really a good time for MPs to talk about pay increases?

I realize that I am speaking about provincial matters and federal MPs. Where else can anyone work for eight years and receive a fairly generous pension?
It’s absolutely disgusting and offensive, even if it is under a Conservative government. Someone has to have the backbone to stand up and say that this is wrong.

I am not saying that it is wrong for the province to freeze pay or try to hold teachers to a decent income, compared to the majority of Ontarians, especially when we are trying to pay off debts, but who put us there? Our political leaders.

I have had the privilege to vote for more than 40 years, and have always chastised my children for not voting.

But you know, when you go to the polling station and all the politicians appear to be tarred with the same brush, I can now understand the apathy in the young people not bothering to vote.

All of the parties are doing the same thing. They are controlled by the leader to say the same thing and not stand up for their own convictions. Mr. Bartolucci is probably the finest example of this, and now the NDP is doing the same.

Rick Mercer while being interviewed recently, was asked why he doesn’t have politicians on his show anymore, and his reply was that in the the past, politicians would speak their mind.

Now they get instructions from party headquarters on their Blackberries, telling them exactly what they can say. Is this the society we want your children to inherit?

Why is it that when choosing a political leader we are told that this one has charisma or charm? I would like to have a leader who is there for the people and for the good of the country, not “what’s in it for me?”

As soon as they win an election, it’s all about total control.
So come on NDP, let’s hear what you have to say about your pay and your pensions? I am quite sure that the NDP has become the same as the other parties.

David Jones
Greater Sudbury