Liberal Lament

Ok, so here is my email I sent the young Liberals, followed by the leaders letter. It is by far the most interesting of all the apology letters I was sent. I also received an email from Greg Byrne saying that we should figure out a time for an interview. Here they are:

Dear Hillary,

I thoguht that I should write you since you are head of the YOUNG liberals. I have started my own website to write articles regarding political issues throughout Fredericton, New Brunswick and Canada.

I figured that with a provincial election coming up it may be interesting to ask all the different candidates their positions on different issues in the province. When I called the Liberal office of Greg Byrne to find out when his next public appearance would be (so I could ask him a couple of questions), I was left with a bad taste in my mouth.

The woman who I was speaking with almost laughed in my face when I told her what I was trying to do. When I mentioned I was a student she told me to get involved with the young liberals or something to that effect, when I was trying to explain to her that I just wanted 5 minutes of the candidates time to pose a few questions. She did not take my request seriously and I'm quite suprised she didn't call my online journalism, "cute"; that was certainly the attitude I was given. She told me to go to the debate tonight at UNB/STU but I responded by saying that I could not make this debate because I was volunteering somewhere tonight. She told me that I would have to get my priorities straight which just blew me away.

I felt extremely patronized and I'd even go so far to say I felt descriminated against. I am a 21 year-old university student, so obviously I do not work for a "real" newspaper. I feel that I was disrespected because of my age and also for being independant media. Candidates need to respond to the questions that any citizens has, no matter what their age or what have you. All other offices that I called were very courteous and helpful and even took my number down so that a future appointment could be made! Students should also be encouraged by the government to be active and concerned with the politics of their country, province and city; not mocked. I didn't call the liberal office today to get a pat on the head, I called because I wanted some answers.

I understand that none of this is your fault in any way, shape or form, but I am hoping as the leader of the Young Liberals that you will be able to tell your candidates that they must reach out to the youth and address their concerns, or they will lose votes. I thank you very much for taking the time to read my email today, and I am hoping that you will be able to forward my message on. Good luck with the campaigns and have a good day.

Sincerly,
Kira Williston
Independant Journalist

Hello Kira,

I am concerned about the response you received yesterday. It is upsetting to hear that your attempt to speak to one of our candidates was dismissed in this manner.

As a Young Liberal, my job is to address the barriers that prevent young people from being fully engaged in the political process and find ways to break these barriers down. Our organization is committed to engaging youth and young adults to vote and get active in the political process, but also to giving young people a forum in which they are able to present their views and ideas.

Some of our most progressive policies -- such as same-sex marriage legislation at the federal level, or the recently proposed intitiatives on hybrid cars and renewable energy in the provincial Liberal campaign -- were proposed by and lobbied on by Young Liberals.

That's why I agree with you fully when you say that "Students should also be encouraged by the government to be active and concerned with the politics of their country, province and city; not mocked".

I have forwarded your message along to Greg Byrne's campaign manager, and have spoken to Greg directly about your e-mail. Now, I would like a chance to speak with you personally too.

I'd welcome an opportunity to reach you if you would kindly forward your phone number along in a reply e-mail.

Please don't hesitate to contact me any time with questions, concerns or information for your website. My number is ***-**** and e-mail is *@*.com

I hope to hear from you, Kira.

Best regards,
Hillary Casey

Hillary Casey
President/Présidente,
New Brunswick Young Liberal Association/l'Association des Jeunes Liberaux du Nouveau-Brunswick