As usual, as we get close to election time, politics becomes one of the more common topics of discussion. Even though the upcoming election is provincial these discussions can spread into the realm of all levels of politics and the good and bad aspects of all levels of governance.
The one thing I have noticed when I have been around some of these debates has been the level of respect and consideration that has been the norm this time. In the past I have seen some heated debating where differences have led to literal spears being cast around that have shown little acceptance of the rights of others to disagree and adhere to their own beliefs.
Don't get me wrong, I do like a spirited discussion and have often been front and centre in clearly stating my own opinions, but when it gets to the point where people are belittled and degraded for their opinions I draw the line. Therefore, it has been nice to see a little more understanding of other's rights to differ this time around.
Over the years I have watched politicians use tactics that have continued to get increasingly negative and disrespectful to gain the upper hand rather than showing civility towards their opponents. As the years have gone by I have seen political debates continue to slide down a steep slope to levels that we can no longer even consider to be civilized in a society that tries to hold itself up as being more civilized than some of the other animals on this planet.
At times, the comments that are thrown at other people are nothing less than an organized form of bullying led by party leaders. In those cases, how can we expect our younger generations, who we are continually preaching at about respecting their peers and the unacceptable nature of bullying, to be tolerant when those who would lead us are demonstrating examples of some of the worst bullying (which is what the mudslinging becomes)?
It is no wonder so many of the younger generations have become disenchanted with the system and are prone to stay away from the voting process. They see one group of politicians ostracizing another member just because they did not vote the way the party told them to vote. What does it tell them, other than if you don't do what the bullies want you are going to be punished? (We have seen all of our political parties do this when they kick someone out for voting against party lines).
This far in this election we have seen a lot of positive advertisement and in the televised debate there was an improvement over some of the past levels of mudslinging. For this I applaud the leaders for taking it in the right direction and hope this will be the start of more improvements to come. Wouldn't it be great if they could strive to get elected by a populace that is voting for them rather than what has become the norm of voting for someone because you're ticked off at the other one? Could we not hope for all political levels to once again show the word "civilized" is really appropriate?
This past week, at the library branch in Meota, celebrations for Library Week were taking place. The culmination was Saturday with an open house that was well attended. Numerous prizes were given out and our librarian was pleased with the event.
Quote: "All truth passes through three stages: first it is ridiculed; second it is violently opposed and third it is accepted as self evident." Arthur Schopenhauer
