Dear Editor
Insanity is doing the exact same thing and expecting different results so, expecting economic growth to help us is a form of insanity. For decades, the foundation of any political party has been their economic platform. For decades, Canada has seen economic growth. Where has it gotten us? While the poor have gained a little economic ground, and the middle class a bit more, the rich have gained vast continents.
Why does disparity between the classes matter? Because economics has become a measurement of status. Why does status matter? Because the higher our status, the better off we are physically and psychologically as individuals. Look beyond crime statistics and see actions to gain individual status; look beyond violent crime statistics and see actions to protect individual status. Look beyond mental and physical health statistics and you find illnesses created by low status. Look beyond social problems and you will find issues of status.
Our status depends on how we imagine others see us. Our awareness of the lives of the super rich makes our own lives seem inadequate. With more equality, we will have more pride in who we are and less shame about not being filthy rich.
Let's make this election all about the "e" word - equality. Ask your candidates not what they would do for our economy, but what they would do for our equality.
Nancy Carswell
Shellbrook
