Lee Richardson Must Apologize to Calgarians for his Racist Statements

I am deeply concerned about my future and safety in the city of Calgary. I was very disturbed to hear that MP, Mr. Lee Richardson, had openly spoken out against immigrants and equated their presence to the increase of crime in the city.

Mr. Lee Richardson must apologize to every Calgary, both immigrants and non-immigrants!

It is disturbing to turn on the news, and hear racist statements by our member of parliament. I believe we, as a Province within Canada, a democratic country, have to issue a condemnation of his statements. We have to ensure the voice of Calgary does not resonate with hate and racism. As citizens of Calgary we do not want a representative of the people of this city, to be associated with racism, for he represents thousands of immigrants and non-immigrants.

Mr. Lee Richardson must apologize and expressing regret is not enough. Canada will be in the danger of turning in a Nazi state where people are separated by race, religion and background, if people are allowed to get away with making such irresponsible comments. Perhaps his statements were statistically sound, but I fear the promotion of hate and mongering of fear. I believe a passive approach on this issue will embolden the very small minority who are indeed racist and release them from their reservations. I was reading the comments on the Calgary Herald made by some of my fellow Calgarians regarding their views on immigrants and I was truly scared. In the silent retreat of their homes behind the protection of being anonymous, they express their hate; I would not like to see such people unleashed into the streets of the city I call home.

I believe it is our collective duty as members of society to bring this issue to the attention of government officials and the parliament that we will not tolerate such behavior! We should take the lead on this issue and represent the members of society objectively and without party allegiance.