To the Editor,
As we go into another silly season of preparing for a provincial election and federal election we should all take shelter from the bombardment of political propaganda we will receive. Hold that thought and remember the word engagement.
We always expect transparency from our representatives and parties, as we are the receivers of what they will do best for us, as individuals, as taxpayers and most importantly voters. I would ask all that meet the latter to ask themselves if they are comfortable about the transparency.
“Engagement” is a common theme among politicians. The history has always been to reach out and engage and be told what and how things are being done. But, today is a new story being delivered. Engagement has hit a new level as we are not privy to the engagement of the politicians. The delivery of information has changed over the last couple of decades due to social media and visual content. No longer is the phone call, council meeting or writing your representative an acceptable way of response. It is encouraged but good luck on a personal response. If you go this route you are only given an automated response and at municipal level forwarded elsewhere for answers. Where did this all go wrong?
People are always encouraged to engage in federal, provincial and local politics. The state of engagement has hit a low as we, the public are only fed propaganda that benefits the positiveness of the party or individual that is pushing an agenda.
We now see social media as the No. 1 platform to deliver such messages. But, if a reader responds negatively on social media to that propaganda they are deemed a troll or a disturber. When did expressing your views and opinions become so controversial?
We are heading to a political polarization every time we engage, this is due to the lack of true transparency of government at federal, provincial and municipal levels.
Engaging in politics requires many avenues. One, always be a voter, second always be interested, third always ask questions, and most importantly chase after the answers. Many will argue the routes to take but if the public is not ready to engage, question, and demand true answers we are doomed as a democracy.
Darren Johnston,
Port Alberni