I feel the same way, but I don’t think you are suffering from apathy, as you are taking positive action through your articles, unfortunately as limited as their reach may be, to the frustrations you are feeling from the tragedy that is unfolding.
Before I get into the meat of the matter, I wanted to share my Shakespearean experiences. There were certainly nuggets to be extracted from plays covered in my high school English literature courses (do they even teach that these days?) but his works were hard slogging. I didn’t fully appreciate the Bard until I saw A Comedy of Errors performed at Montreal’s Place des Arts by the Canadian Stratford Shakespearean Players. It was done as a western (context is everything) and remains one of the funniest performances I have ever seen.
You have provided so many factual articles over the past many months, from which the broad electorate would greatly benefit before voting. But alas, politics seems to be performative as reflected by much of the MSM. I have the luxury of being retired and have time to read widely from different perspectives, but most don’t have that time, and sadly elections often become popularity contests, not based on issues, facts and accountability. The Liberals are fortunate in having another big issue to instill fear, as they did with the pandemic. Many vote hoping for a saviour, without understanding the issues, not realizing that only we can save ourselves through an informed choice – democracy requires effort from us all.
Carney may well win and try to impose his values and ideology, which in and of themselves I find scary. But combined with four parallel years of Trump ahead, I fear that their opposing agendas will leave us much worse off, and the hole we will find ourselves in will be deeper, darker and even more difficult to get out of.
Well said! As a retired person myself I can, and do, spend most of my time thinking about this stuff and how to effectively engage with those in my family who have different views but little time to explore the issues. I think short factual statements that are not in dispute can help. The median income of the poorest U.S. state is higher than that of our richest province. That’s one I intend to repeat ad nauseum followed by inquiries as to why that is.
Do not flag or falter now. The weight of our collective intentional ignorance is great as the inertia that seeks comfort in our weakness and resistance to change dominates polls, media, and neighbour Betty’s kitchen table. The emperor has no clothes and we are told not to speak of it but we must. We are blinded and sleepwalking to our demise if we elect another Liberal government. The west will leave and the rest bankrupted by leftist ideology will sink further into irrelevance as a vassal state of the US.
Not to worry, Joel. No flagging or faltering here. Just a temporary break for my sanity while offering a different angle on the whole circus of an election.
Thank you for the kind feedback Brian. I think my temporary indifference this week was likely a bit of self-preservation. Maybe I could call it strategic and temporal apathy?
I suppose we can each just do our small part in affecting outcomes and deal with where the chips land. That's where I'm currently sitting.
Appreciate the Shakespeare feedback. Funny thing is I recall liking it in high school but those memories are dim so a bit unreliable. I don't, however, recall reading Comedy of Errors.
Thank-you! You have completely mapped my thoughts on this election problem — so much hunger for good information but all we are offered is junk food. The polls, I mean. Oh, and the campaign road show/ media circus. Like you said. 👍🏻
Another eye-opening article. Every post you make I learn more. What a circus of events unfolding. The Liberals must be laughing right now. To think President Trump has caused them to rise in popularity just makes my head spin. This is all a clear example of not being able to see the forest for the trees.
Good morning and thank you. Indeed election season brings out the hype and the need for a big bag of popcorn. While I am personally aware of and angered by the liberal leader and his forgetful contribution to the mess we are now in, I must admit concern about electing our version of Trump. A liberal win will likely forever alienate the west and a conservative win may see a push too far to the right where, like many republicans south of us (other than hard core MAGA’s) are now saying WTF and seeing their democracy become shredded. I just wish I can trust the platforms and policies of serious co sequence each party says they will commit to. The decision then would be clear in my mind. Keep up the good writing. It is all very informative. Thank you.
How on earth is Poilievre any reflection of Trump?
In Character? Substance? Policy? Vision? Intelligence? Intentions? Care for his countrymen?
What is one policy or position you can label as Trumpian or “far right”? Or that could threaten our democracy - particularly in light of how badly the Liberal government has "shredded" it for ten years?
I will admit the comparisons have me boggled. I am not here to defend Poilievre as a saint and he is a flawed fellow like us all. But it seems everything we find objectionable in life is now somehow relatable to one man, including if we simply don't care for someone's tone or they have an approach that offends our sensibilities.
It is antithetical to my own approach that seeks to examine substance.
I feel the same way, but I don’t think you are suffering from apathy, as you are taking positive action through your articles, unfortunately as limited as their reach may be, to the frustrations you are feeling from the tragedy that is unfolding.
Before I get into the meat of the matter, I wanted to share my Shakespearean experiences. There were certainly nuggets to be extracted from plays covered in my high school English literature courses (do they even teach that these days?) but his works were hard slogging. I didn’t fully appreciate the Bard until I saw A Comedy of Errors performed at Montreal’s Place des Arts by the Canadian Stratford Shakespearean Players. It was done as a western (context is everything) and remains one of the funniest performances I have ever seen.
You have provided so many factual articles over the past many months, from which the broad electorate would greatly benefit before voting. But alas, politics seems to be performative as reflected by much of the MSM. I have the luxury of being retired and have time to read widely from different perspectives, but most don’t have that time, and sadly elections often become popularity contests, not based on issues, facts and accountability. The Liberals are fortunate in having another big issue to instill fear, as they did with the pandemic. Many vote hoping for a saviour, without understanding the issues, not realizing that only we can save ourselves through an informed choice – democracy requires effort from us all.
Carney may well win and try to impose his values and ideology, which in and of themselves I find scary. But combined with four parallel years of Trump ahead, I fear that their opposing agendas will leave us much worse off, and the hole we will find ourselves in will be deeper, darker and even more difficult to get out of.
Well said! As a retired person myself I can, and do, spend most of my time thinking about this stuff and how to effectively engage with those in my family who have different views but little time to explore the issues. I think short factual statements that are not in dispute can help. The median income of the poorest U.S. state is higher than that of our richest province. That’s one I intend to repeat ad nauseum followed by inquiries as to why that is.
I like that approach, Clayton. Keep it short and sweet.
Do not flag or falter now. The weight of our collective intentional ignorance is great as the inertia that seeks comfort in our weakness and resistance to change dominates polls, media, and neighbour Betty’s kitchen table. The emperor has no clothes and we are told not to speak of it but we must. We are blinded and sleepwalking to our demise if we elect another Liberal government. The west will leave and the rest bankrupted by leftist ideology will sink further into irrelevance as a vassal state of the US.
Not to worry, Joel. No flagging or faltering here. Just a temporary break for my sanity while offering a different angle on the whole circus of an election.
This Betty has her eyes wide open!
Thank you for the kind feedback Brian. I think my temporary indifference this week was likely a bit of self-preservation. Maybe I could call it strategic and temporal apathy?
I suppose we can each just do our small part in affecting outcomes and deal with where the chips land. That's where I'm currently sitting.
Appreciate the Shakespeare feedback. Funny thing is I recall liking it in high school but those memories are dim so a bit unreliable. I don't, however, recall reading Comedy of Errors.
All the best.
Thank-you! You have completely mapped my thoughts on this election problem — so much hunger for good information but all we are offered is junk food. The polls, I mean. Oh, and the campaign road show/ media circus. Like you said. 👍🏻
Thank you for the comment, Glen.
I like the "junk food" comparison. I shall make use of that wording.
Another eye-opening article. Every post you make I learn more. What a circus of events unfolding. The Liberals must be laughing right now. To think President Trump has caused them to rise in popularity just makes my head spin. This is all a clear example of not being able to see the forest for the trees.
Thank you for the feedback, FTLOF.
The irony is thick, indeed.
Wow!!! Should be mandatory reading for every voting Canadian. Brilliant writing !!
A perfect precise dissection.
Thank you for the compliment, Howard.
Despite the subject matter, this was a bit fun to write.
If only all Canadians would read this!
Thank you, Peggy.
Ah, if only.
Good morning and thank you. Indeed election season brings out the hype and the need for a big bag of popcorn. While I am personally aware of and angered by the liberal leader and his forgetful contribution to the mess we are now in, I must admit concern about electing our version of Trump. A liberal win will likely forever alienate the west and a conservative win may see a push too far to the right where, like many republicans south of us (other than hard core MAGA’s) are now saying WTF and seeing their democracy become shredded. I just wish I can trust the platforms and policies of serious co sequence each party says they will commit to. The decision then would be clear in my mind. Keep up the good writing. It is all very informative. Thank you.
Thank you for the comments, Michael.
But I must ask a few questions.
How on earth is Poilievre any reflection of Trump?
In Character? Substance? Policy? Vision? Intelligence? Intentions? Care for his countrymen?
What is one policy or position you can label as Trumpian or “far right”? Or that could threaten our democracy - particularly in light of how badly the Liberal government has "shredded" it for ten years?
I will admit the comparisons have me boggled. I am not here to defend Poilievre as a saint and he is a flawed fellow like us all. But it seems everything we find objectionable in life is now somehow relatable to one man, including if we simply don't care for someone's tone or they have an approach that offends our sensibilities.
It is antithetical to my own approach that seeks to examine substance.
What am I missing?