DEMOCRACY IS INCLUSIVE

The Reverend (we assume) Michel Ethier must be given top marks for
persistence. He wants to become His Worship the Mayor of West
Nipissing, and none shall deny his right to try, try, and try again.

He is also minister in the pot-promoting Church of the Universe, so
it must be assumed he is entitled to some reverence.

Judging by past performances, at least 90 per cent of voters in this
interesting and diverse municipality will vote against him.

If controversy and discussion is at the heart of democracy, Ethier
may have served democracy very well. Claude Arcand has thrown his hat
in the ring at the last minute, competing with Mayor Joanne Savage
and Ethier for the top job.

It was predicted to be acclamations all the way, but in two West
Nipissing wards unexpected entries are giving voters a choice.

Savage must be commended for taking the position no one should be
banned, bullied or intimidated into withdrawing from a political
contest because they do not have a hope of winning.

So have most of the council, who expected to receive acclamations.

The main criticism of Ethier seems to be that he would cost taxpayers
$50,000 to stage an election. Arcand's entry eliminates this
criticism, unless he, too, is to be denounced for wasting taxpayers' money.

Hold on a minute. Democracy is precious. It is unique and valuable.
It is costly and too often hopelessly inefficient. But it is better
than totalitarianism, dictatorship and all the other nasty and
commonly brutal and despicable systems under which many millions suffer.

Ethier is a pot advocate. He may be eccentric, even if pot-heads have
served a useful purpose in forcing society to recognize sometimes
marijuana can be useful for people suffering from cancer or glaucoma.

Ethier's election office is a little unusual. He is currently housed
in North Bay Jail.

Ethier does have some good ideas. He is for recycling and protecting
the environment. He is for deamalgamation, and so are many
respectable people wherever centralization and amalgamation have been
imposed upon suffering taxpayers.

He also advocates hemp farming. Hemp is a cousin to marijuana. Many
serious agriculturists believe it could greatly aid Canadian agriculture.

Ethier's endorsement will not improve hemp's image, but he makes us
laugh, and makes us think.