MY CANADA and a “pot pourri” of subject matter
Some readers might wonder at the title of this week’s commentary. Pot Pourri was the byline heading for Thompson newspaper columnist Reg Pit in the 1950’s and early 60s. The subject matter was always varied and covered many subjects. Since Pit was the husband of a close relative it is probably acceptable to use the moniker or heading for at least a single MY CANADA session. One research interpretation states pot pourri is transitive and intransitive verb to shoot or shoot at an easy target, especially casually. So be it.
Maybe the target in our sights should be the unabashed political foolishness displayed daily by elected officials. Aside from Canadian senators chosen by politicians as a chamber of serious second thought most political members at all levels of government are elected by much less than 50% of eligible voters. Unelected senators are another issue for a later commentary. Most federal and provincially elected people if not a vast majority owe the good fortune to a handful of strong political party supporters and at least some funding by the same political party. Therefore is it any wonder that during many sessions of federal parliament a political remark or statement espousing the policies of those in command of the party are cheered like a sports team that just scored. A very childish reaction but one accepted by those watching the display whether in the visitors gallery in front of a television screen where proceeding are offered for public viewing. Most that reach the pinnacle of citizen selection through those less than majority votes reflect the spoiled nature of our democratic system. Let's hope the Liberal government promise to make voting more equitable results in a system the majority of voters approve of to participate in future votes. So far some changes to the original committee make up and party participation are definitely required. Although flawed in some respect democracy is undoubtedly still the best form of government in the world.
The only drawback on the horizon is historic records indicating democratic forms of government usually only last a couple of hundred years. Most of today’s rich democracies are probably past that best before date. With ISIS and its numerous Asian and even European offspring military organizations using terror tactics to intimidate worry and havoc are created for western democracies. Add to the scenario the possibility of an unrepentant and frightening Donald Trump becoming American leader and North Korea testing long range nuclear missiles aimed at North America future global stability is tentative at best. Chinese desire to expand its South Pacific territory and Russia trying to return to the cold war scene adds to the uncertainty the present system of world governments surviving.
Some more positive happenings, especially closer to home tempers the aforesaid fear. Electing a young Prime Minister like Justin Trudeau seems like a step in the right direction. Moving power away from people stuck in 20th century mindset towards the thinking and direction of the quickly expanding and culturally diversified youth seems to be a positive step. Watching the sharing of resources and money by virtually all Canadians during the major Fort Mac catastrophe is another positive sign. The work of police, firefighters and military together with an army of good Samaritans is without parallel anywhere. Add to those remarkable achievements is hopefully a change in direction of political “only us” philosophy and just perhaps the status quo will survive against all the movement to change the democratic process. With children born since 2000 now teenagers and the early post war generation approaching passé status, it is positive that the country’s ruling class are now middle aged rather than the people born before 1970.
MY CANADA is posted on both Facebook and Twitter so comments whether in agreement of otherwise are always appreciated. Please just keep it civil.
Maybe the target in our sights should be the unabashed political foolishness displayed daily by elected officials. Aside from Canadian senators chosen by politicians as a chamber of serious second thought most political members at all levels of government are elected by much less than 50% of eligible voters. Unelected senators are another issue for a later commentary. Most federal and provincially elected people if not a vast majority owe the good fortune to a handful of strong political party supporters and at least some funding by the same political party. Therefore is it any wonder that during many sessions of federal parliament a political remark or statement espousing the policies of those in command of the party are cheered like a sports team that just scored. A very childish reaction but one accepted by those watching the display whether in the visitors gallery in front of a television screen where proceeding are offered for public viewing. Most that reach the pinnacle of citizen selection through those less than majority votes reflect the spoiled nature of our democratic system. Let's hope the Liberal government promise to make voting more equitable results in a system the majority of voters approve of to participate in future votes. So far some changes to the original committee make up and party participation are definitely required. Although flawed in some respect democracy is undoubtedly still the best form of government in the world.
The only drawback on the horizon is historic records indicating democratic forms of government usually only last a couple of hundred years. Most of today’s rich democracies are probably past that best before date. With ISIS and its numerous Asian and even European offspring military organizations using terror tactics to intimidate worry and havoc are created for western democracies. Add to the scenario the possibility of an unrepentant and frightening Donald Trump becoming American leader and North Korea testing long range nuclear missiles aimed at North America future global stability is tentative at best. Chinese desire to expand its South Pacific territory and Russia trying to return to the cold war scene adds to the uncertainty the present system of world governments surviving.
Some more positive happenings, especially closer to home tempers the aforesaid fear. Electing a young Prime Minister like Justin Trudeau seems like a step in the right direction. Moving power away from people stuck in 20th century mindset towards the thinking and direction of the quickly expanding and culturally diversified youth seems to be a positive step. Watching the sharing of resources and money by virtually all Canadians during the major Fort Mac catastrophe is another positive sign. The work of police, firefighters and military together with an army of good Samaritans is without parallel anywhere. Add to those remarkable achievements is hopefully a change in direction of political “only us” philosophy and just perhaps the status quo will survive against all the movement to change the democratic process. With children born since 2000 now teenagers and the early post war generation approaching passé status, it is positive that the country’s ruling class are now middle aged rather than the people born before 1970.
MY CANADA is posted on both Facebook and Twitter so comments whether in agreement of otherwise are always appreciated. Please just keep it civil.