by Sue Hodgson –
As the election season comes to an end, I find myself grateful for the return to normality after weeks of heated debates, endless signs and often broken promises. While elections are essential to our democracy, it’s unfortunate to see how the major parties often resort to unnecessary facts to secure votes, like “Keep the Saanich Peninsula Hospital Open.” Scare tactics and finger pointing seem to overshadow the real issues we face as a community. Homelessness, healthcare, climate change and countless other pressing concerns deserve our undivided attention and energy, yet they are often pushed aside in the name of party loyalty and political gain.
What’s even more disappointing is the lack of collaboration between the parties. These issues affect all of us, regardless of political affiliation. Imagine what we could achieve if our leaders focused on cooperation rather than conflict. Is it impossible to work together? Challenges we face are not one colour or another; they are human issues that require compassion, understanding and, most
importantly, unity.
In the world outside of politics you’ll see examples of collaboration all over the place. We have a couple in our stories this month even, like the residents of Ravens Crossing who have worked out how to live co-operatively (page 48), or the way that Cassidy and her friend team up to crack a challenging errand list in Little Adventures (page 59).
By the time this issue comes out the election will be over. I hope we can finally return our focus to the issues at hand with a commitment to a brighter tomorrow. I think it’s time to set aside the fighting, find common ground and build a better community for everyone. Together we can create a world where cooperation, respect and a shared vision can move us forward.
Seaside Sue
Photo by Janis Jean. Clothing provided and styled by Moden Boutique.
Shot on location at Port Sidney; with thanks to Freedom Marine Yacht Sales.
