Editor:

It is a rare day when I agree with Chuck Strahl, and rarer still that I would say it publicly.

Political parties in Canada are not really more than private clubs run by benevolent dictators. That said, these political parties develop election platforms, policies, and promises based upon the personality, vision and values of the leader of the party.

First Nations citizens know John Cummins all too well. As an MP, Cummins adopted a take-no-prisoners approach to First Nations' fisheries. Cummins made a career from targeting fishers participating in authorized, lawful, and constitutionally protected fisheries. Any independent observer would see that John Cummins made a living by opposing the government, even when he served in the government caucus. So former Conservative Caucus members, Mr. Strahl and First Nations Chiefs are well qualified to offer opinions on the personality of the BC Conservative Party.

It should not be a surprise that John Martin would defend his leader and party from a pointed and accurate portrayal by Mr. Strahl: "the BCCP is full of "cranky . . . angry" people without credible policies." One only need review the many columns written by John Martin to see that he is cranky and angry.

Chuck, as much I hate to say it, we agree that the BC Conservative Party is full of cranky and angry people, rather like their leader and candidates including John Martin.

Grand Chief Doug Kelly President, Stolo Tribal Council