In order to have a chance of achieving such change, do we also not need to build (or re-build the common ground where such discussions can take place? As you noted, for a time during the pandemic we seemed to find that place where most of us united in looking to deal with the crisis, including accepting that our actions could have serious impacts or benefits for our fellow citizens. But then this moment seemed to leave us and we felt more divided than ever (although I suspect that media and social media exaggerated just how divided we are).
It is likely always easier to unite when facing a real enemy, such as a person or country, as opposed to a virus but finding common ground or agreement on basic facts still has to be achieved. And our information ecosystems and levels of trust seem to be in disrepair.
This is a great invitation, and I am pleased to hear you are also a fan of Citizen Assemblies - which is a great opportunity to bring together citizens for input, review/discussion and recommendation. Change is frequently viewed with fear/caution because it stimulates different thinking and acting - the unknown could be scary. For a country like Canada in the context of the world, it's analogous to growing from childhood to adulthood and finding our own path. It's possible and desirable as we have the smarts, resources and for the most part a desire to make our world a better place. And, we are still a functioning democracy. There are some great examples to emulate as there are also glaring examples to learn from and avoid. It's a journey worth embarking on as our own initiative rather than being timid and getting subsumed by contrary bully dogma - hanging out with the wrong crowd.
You have framed the opportunity well. The question before us starts with leadership that can convert that national pride into a broad vision. My concern is that the leadership needed is missing to lead us out of the valley of despair.
I'll know a leader when I see them - they will be transparent and authentic, can articulate a vision in language we can all understand, has a positive view of what we can do, has a strong set of Canadian values, has a way of including the vast majority of a population living in a federation, and has the transparent skepticism of all those who claim to be our allies.
The old order based on God and country has diminished and the new order based on business and hegemony has arrived? False news and bravado supersedes truth and verifiable facts? Allies are supplanted by master servant relationships? War mongering is relaxed based on renewed power brokerages? Not a pretty picture!
In order to have a chance of achieving such change, do we also not need to build (or re-build the common ground where such discussions can take place? As you noted, for a time during the pandemic we seemed to find that place where most of us united in looking to deal with the crisis, including accepting that our actions could have serious impacts or benefits for our fellow citizens. But then this moment seemed to leave us and we felt more divided than ever (although I suspect that media and social media exaggerated just how divided we are).
It is likely always easier to unite when facing a real enemy, such as a person or country, as opposed to a virus but finding common ground or agreement on basic facts still has to be achieved. And our information ecosystems and levels of trust seem to be in disrepair.
I share exactly these worries and I agree we absolutely need to rebuild that common ground (and spaces for it).
This is an excellent opportunity to talk to friends and family about what *can* be done instead of what *should* be done.
We need to open up the window of what's possible so that when the moment comes, there is a wider range of options to follow.
We can take back our energy, we can take back our financial system, we can take back our food supply.
This is a great invitation, and I am pleased to hear you are also a fan of Citizen Assemblies - which is a great opportunity to bring together citizens for input, review/discussion and recommendation. Change is frequently viewed with fear/caution because it stimulates different thinking and acting - the unknown could be scary. For a country like Canada in the context of the world, it's analogous to growing from childhood to adulthood and finding our own path. It's possible and desirable as we have the smarts, resources and for the most part a desire to make our world a better place. And, we are still a functioning democracy. There are some great examples to emulate as there are also glaring examples to learn from and avoid. It's a journey worth embarking on as our own initiative rather than being timid and getting subsumed by contrary bully dogma - hanging out with the wrong crowd.
A pivot to Europe and friendlier APAC countries is a start given the pivot with China ended badly and the US is going rogue
You have framed the opportunity well. The question before us starts with leadership that can convert that national pride into a broad vision. My concern is that the leadership needed is missing to lead us out of the valley of despair.
I'll know a leader when I see them - they will be transparent and authentic, can articulate a vision in language we can all understand, has a positive view of what we can do, has a strong set of Canadian values, has a way of including the vast majority of a population living in a federation, and has the transparent skepticism of all those who claim to be our allies.
A tall order.
We apply to join the eu now.
The old order based on God and country has diminished and the new order based on business and hegemony has arrived? False news and bravado supersedes truth and verifiable facts? Allies are supplanted by master servant relationships? War mongering is relaxed based on renewed power brokerages? Not a pretty picture!