In his classic novel, A Tale of Two Cities, Charles Dickens opens with that memorable line: “It was the best of times, it was the worst of times ...” This readily sums up the rhetoric and banter that, like colourful autumn leaves, swirl around the ad campaigns and leadership debates of the upcoming federal election.
We hear the best ideas of ‘if elected here is what I will do’ versus seeing the worst of human behaviour in attack ads and hyperbolized banter. Sadly, the comments on hair, not being ready, being a recklessly spending career politician or having to get sport celebrity endorsements are but smoke and mirrors to fair commentary on the real issues. Not even David Copperfield could pull off such elusive illusions!
As far as voting goes, however, there can be no tricks. Some people adhere to hereditary politics while others look at the individual candidate in order to gauge their worthiness to represent. We hear the promises, watch the candidates walk the party planks, and hope that the human capacity for reason and discernment prevail in preserving our democratic system. Sometimes, however, once elected and sitting in their seats, those whom we hoped would be worthy of moving our enterprise forward, let us down terribly. Simply stated: we need to expect more!
We the people expect that elected officials, in discharging their fiduciary responsibilities, will be ever mindful of their greatest role: being accountable to their constituents. We the people expect that all elected officials regardless of their level whether federal, provincial or municipal, will hold accountability, integrity and respect for the office they hold as the true pillars that support their platform. We the people, want to see the very values we hold dear as a nation, modelled and practised in the lived daily witness of our elected officials. We cannot settle for less.
There is ample time left to consult with family, neighbours, colleagues, and mutual friends in sharing views on the issues, challenges and opportunities that await us. What I am ready for is honest dialogue, respect for diverse opinions, and respectful debate. These will certainly move us closer to opening our minds to the common good rather than wallowing in the fear mongering some use just to get to the House of Commons.
No matter the result of this election, whether it will be deemed “the age of wisdom” or “the age of foolishness,” we will need to maintain our collective ‘great expectations’ that those who represent us will lead us to “the spring of hope” versus “the winter of discontent.” Like Pip or Oliver, we don’t want to have to beg for more, we want leaders who will truly seek to serve the greater good in all they do! Dickens said: “Whatever I have tried to do in life, I have tried with all my heart to do it well; whatever I have devoted myself to, I have devoted myself completely; in great aims and in small I have always thoroughly been in earnest.” Let’s hope that all elected officials can see their way to honour the office they hold. Let’s hope the House of Commons does not become a ‘Bleak House!’
Tim Cusack is an educator, writer, and member of the naval reserve.
