I have always liked the word civil.Ìý Not the adjective as in civil engineering but the more action form as in to be civil.
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JD Vance and Tim Walz, American vice president candidates, seemed to have a civil debate, most of the time.
Somehow, in our often strange political world, we seem to have lost all sense of civility.Ìý This is defined as politeness and courtesy in behaviour and speech.Ìý Politics can ruin all of that.
I have lived now for 70 years being aware of the political world. One of my elementary school principals ran for the old CCF party in the Fernie sa¹ú¼Ê´«Ã½ area, in the 1950s. Ìý
He visited our house when I was young.Ìý I asked lots of why questions. Ìý
He was civil.
My parents always voted as they felt it a responsibility.Ìý But my father had a lot of disdain for politicians and said he sometimes spoiled his ballot. Not a good tactic.
Locally and recently, ÌýI have dealt quite a lot with two MLAs, Norm Letnick and Renee Merrifield.Ìý I have found them to be fair minded, civil people. They arranged meetings as needed, usually answered emails, and even went on tours.Ìý They both knew I did not agree with their party philosophy but they agreed to help anyways.Ìý They were civil.
From this we got a better look at logging practices in upper Mission Creek corridor and even a 75 acre, Joe Rich Conservation Area.Ìý But I was hoping for some form of a new Rutland Middle School, now 70 years old.Ìý Maybe after this election?
We will have three new MLAs after the coming October 19th election as there are new riding boundaries. Make sure you know where to vote. But also check out candidates experience in dealing with the public and consistently attending meetings.Ìý
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The winner will have a lot of meetings.
The winner will have to show a great measure of civility in dealing with all sides of the political spectrum.Ìý Go to local candidates’ debates or grab a Courier newspaper to read their excellent summaries of candidates’ positions and backgrounds.
American politics usually makes most of us cringe at the lack of civility.
Their political debates are seen by multi millions who must often think, is this the best we can do?
Personally, I think that until Donald Trump is removed from the American political picture, nothing much will change in the U.S..Ìý He needs to be ushered off to his golf course and hotel retirement.Ìý He lacks any measure of the civility that is very much needed in politics.
If you are having trouble deciding how to vote locally, after taking a good look at the candidates, maybe have a good look at the provincial leaders.
There are three of them trying to get their messages across often with many promises. Try to look at the overall philosophy of their party. Ìý
Is it set up for the overall good of every citizen or does it only cater to segments of society? Ìý
Do they have the personality to be civil?
For me, the crucial issues are climate change, health, and education and in that order.Ìý In health I include dealing directly with supportive housing and getting people off the streets.Ìý Mental health needs to be examined carefully.
Look for and avoid any politicians that have a history of controversial opinions.Ìý The elected still have to represent all constituents.
Most people do believe that COVID-19 was real, Ìýand that we cannot ignore
Global warming.Ìý Human beings are good at adjusting to change but not overwhelming weather with floods, fires, and disastrous winds.Ìý They are threats to our way of life and even our food supply.
As Thanksgiving rapidly approaches with delightful family dinners be civil and reach out to others less well off.Ìý Even try to be civil to those who have a different political opinion.
After each election our earth may groan a little more but goes on turning.
The sun also rises and we go off to do our assorted jobs as best we can.
Hopefully, with a good amount of civility to family and all those around us.
Enjoy the Thanksgiving season.
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