A Letter to Mr. Ritter

Mr. Ritter:

I promised myself 4 years ago I would never become involved in CWB politics - because I detest it with a passion.  But, you, Mr. Ritter, have stepped over the line when you say Jim is doing nothing more than grandstanding.  He's standing alright, and it's grand!

The decision to go to jail was not made lightly and it's also not all about your sacred Wheat Board.

The decision was made with a great deal of soul-searching with lots and lots of tears shed and many sleepless nights!  It was a family decision.  It affects our entire family from Jim & I, to our children, and mostly our 9 beautiful grandchildren.

It's about standing tall for your principles.  It's about ethics and strong morals.   It's about honesty and integrity.  And it's about believing in democracy and freedom.

It's my understanding you are totally unfamiliar with all the above!  You know it!  I know it!  God definitely knows it.

I am so PROUD of what Jim has done, as are his children and grandchildren.

He will go down in Canadian history as a hero to his children & grandchildren and to thousands of farmers & fellow Canadians.  What a legacy to leave!

You and Mr. Flamen on the other hand, will go down in history as the guys from Saskatchewan who were turtles and turncoats.

You betrayed the farmers and friends who elected you.  What a legacy to your children & grandchildren!

I feel very sorry for you because in this life of ours it's what we leave our children and grandchildren that really matters.

As Jim says: "It is better to fail with honour than win by deceit."

Olive Chatenay