The following Post showed up here in 2019, but this does seem to be an appropriate time to repeat it:
Many bloggers will steer clear of politics and religion and, given the abusive nature of isolated comments that are usually generated from those topics, it’s an understandable position. While I can acknowledge the sensitivity of those areas (together with a few other areas), I do believe that feelings/opinions should be expressed. We all view the world differently, and those differences are based on our upbringing, together with any significant emotional experiences. It is therefore quite natural that, while you and I will hopefully have some common interests and perspectives, it is highly unlikely that we will agree on everything. We must recognize the significance of that.
There were many cases of people who lived through the US great depression, who later stored their money at home. A very natural reaction given the collapse of many banks during that time period and, if you cannot trust your bank, it becomes necessary find a more secure location …. say under the bed mattress! Storing money at home is, to me, rather reckless as I trust my bank … but I can still understand the other perspective.
Anybody raised in a “working class” environment, will have a very different perspective of the world than somebody whose family was financially very secure. It is not coincidental that door-to-door fundraising is more lucrative in working class neighbourhoods than it is in affluent neighbourhoods. The rationale explained to me a long time ago was simple – “The more you have, the more you have to lose … the more you hold on to it.”
Living in an area which is either very industrial, or rather precarious in its existence, will often result in a very giving/sharing culture. I experienced that in the industrial north of England, and many will attest to it in Canada’s East Coast communities.
As children, many of us grew up generally trusting people and, while reality dictated that there were “villains” out there, we could believe that they were not a significant factor to us. Conversely however, if we experienced abuse from somebody we trusted, the after effects could quite naturally have impacted our perspective on people for many years into the future.
So where is all this going? It is simply to spread the word that you and I do not necessarily have to be right or wrong. Neither of us needs to get upset at the other’s viewpoint. What we do need to do is to acknowledge that your perspective is created from your life experiences, and my perspective created from mine. If we can respect differing opinions, and perhaps even make an effort to understand them, then we as a society will avoid so many issues.
As for politics and religion? Go for it, and if/when you get a really abusive Comment … try and remember that their life experiences have dictated their behaviour. I moderate all my Comments in order to catch those with suggestive, vulgar or otherwise offensive phrasing, but I do that to maintain a standard of blogging. Even if I do not understand the reasons why an individual becomes abusive here, I can at least acknowledge that there certainly are reasons. Spread the word! 🙂
A New Direction Perhaps? 
You know that I completely agree with what you said here. Everything that exists as an opinion or attitude has grown from the unique individual and its individual story with individual experiences due to individual perceptions. There is no wrong or right. And “in my opinion” this is the only truth about it. Live and let live. Everybody’s personal way of seeing the world and themselves is right and important to stay their truth because from there they develop in the way they are supposed to. There is not one way to a collective goal. There are as many ways as there are beings in this world and each one has its justification. Understanding that would prevent the world from a lot of disharmonies.
Thank you for sharing your thoughts and the inspiration and awareness you spread here, Colin.
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Thank you Erika. Have a wonderful rest of your day. Stay safe. Take care.
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Thank you, Colin, and you too!
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As a political activist for more than 20 years (and also a naturalized citizen who takes democracy seriously), the current climate has left me beyond exhausted, not to mention gun shy. The constant bombardment of nasty, foul opinions based on absurd thoughts has reduced engagement with others with whom I am unfamiliar. These days everyone has an opinion but few actually research the facts they say influenced that opinion or make it the correct one. Your opinion may be different from mine, I just humbly ask that they just don’t use deceit to promulgate it. With democracy comes responsibility and part of that aspect means finding out the facts and the truth to make informed decisions.
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Well said Monika …… or was that Elsa?
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I’m the immigrant; Elsa is a native. 😉
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Okay then. That clarifies things. “WOOF” Elsa. Way to go!
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In fact, she’s a native Coloradoan. 😊 We have few of them anymore (most people these days come from out of state and then there are folks like me from other continents).
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It all adds to an improved blend of society! 🙂
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That’s a generous way of looking at it. 😉
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Perhaps, but it also makes sense that to have an integrated society, one must be receptive to cultural, ethnic etc differences … and the best way to achieve that is likely to encourage immigration. While Canada does have its issues in that area (no society will ever be perfect), I do believe that it’s apparent reputation around the world is based on its multi-national population.
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I’ve grown wary of politics lately, so I’ve cut way down on my political posts. My opinions change like the wind, and I get tired of having egg on my face, every time I express an opinion then change my mind. For instance, I expressed many harsh opinions about Trump. Then I went and voted for the guy. Go figure.
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It’s a tricky road to travel, because each candidate has a “spin” which will hopefully get your vote. How many times can you listen to a spin before getting totally confused … or just plain apathetic? My guidelines (with similarities to Kate’s in her comments) are:
If you cannot tell me why I should vote for you (as distinct from attacking the opposition), then I will not vote for you. Tell me why I should vote for you, and if I can determine that your reasons are realistic and make sense to me … then you have my vote.
Don’t waste my time with ludicrous claims such as “I will clear the national debt within 4 years” or “I am going subsidize the food industry so that prices will be lower, and I am going to lower fuel costs and raise the minimum wage.” … because you are in la-la land. One basic fact of life is that a huge percentage of what Governments spend comes from us, so if they are going to increase their spending …. it will be coming from us. If they are going to reduce their income (lowering taxes), then the shortfall has to come from us.
My message is simply, come up with some reasonable goals that are achievable within the elected term of office and, if they are in synch with my perspective of where we should be going …. I can guarantee you my vote! Simple! 🙂
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Yeah, they often spin a fantasy that sounds too good to be true, trying to win our vote. I just want them to sound reasonable and realistic.
These days, my philosophy is to vote for the party that seems least insane. All political parties are insane, in my view, but some seem less insane sometimes, than at other times.
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Perhaps also keep in mind that politics is a very expensive business to get into so, unless they have extremely “healthy” bank accounts, you can be assured that somebody, somewhere is financing them. “He who pays the piper calls the tune” is always good to remember!
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Yes, to be a successful politician, you have to get into the pocket of some benevolent donors. Who of course has no ulterior motive. Wink-wink.
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I dislike generalizations but, in the UK and here, there are three main parties fighting for votes. The far right (usually funded by industry); the far left (usually funded by labour unions), and the “middle road” (funding from wherever). The “middle road” (here Liberal) often draws votes because the other two have failed miserably. 🙂
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Every party seems to have their time in the sun, though. It’s kind of like a pendulum, swinging around. Strange, though, that the UK and Canada would have three main parties, while we only have two.
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I like the 3-party concept as it does offer a balance. Also, it is possible for two of them to mutually agree on a platform and work together which is exactly where we are at now re an imminent election. Our NDP and our Liberal parties have agreed on some issues which will (they hope) draw votes away from the Conservatives.
For your system to change, I believe they both have to agree to it ,,,,, which of course they won’t unless there is a really major issue and neither want to risk a public backlash for doing nothing!
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Looks like you’ll have an interesting election. I’ve heard from some Canadians who absolutely hate Trudeau. I’m guessing he needs all the political help he can get.
We’ve had a few third parties pop up and give the other two a run for their money. The most recent was Ross Perot’s Reform Party back in the ’90s. I think it helped Clinton beat Bush, by drawing votes away from Bush in 1992.
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Some people certainly don’t like Trudeau, but the same statement applies to the other party leaders. With a population of over 38M, a few haters are rather irrelevant.
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I’ll keep my eyes on the north this year. You guys will likely have an interesting election.
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This is an election year in the states and it’s an important one as it’s for control of the parts of Congress. Primaries in my state are next month and I have been bombed for the last 3 months with ads about how awful the other party is. Those never work for me. If you can’t tell me what you will do, I won’t vote for you. If you spend your time knocking down the other side, I won’t vote for you. It’s starting to pop up on Facebook too. That’s my happy place (yes it is!) where I catch up on what my extended family is doing. I’ve been thinking of putting out a notice that I will unfriend, pause or otherwise shut off anyone whose posts are vitriolic. Life is just too short. I don’t care if you don’t agree with me but don’t post untruths that you heard from your cousin’s boyfriend’s mother but never bothered to fact check.
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Hi Kate – I totally agree with you re political campaigning. I find it offensive to be told who not to vote for as I think I can make that decision on my own. I want to know “Why should I vote for you?” Sadly, Canadian political campaigning is currently much like you described. Regards. Colin.
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