It shouldn’t really be necessary, but then again these are strange times we live in.
Mayoral candidate Sylvia Bishop unveiled a Code of Ethical Conduct during a press conference last week, pledging that all those affiliated with her Team Delta slate would conduct themselves with integrity during the lead up to this fall’s civic election. The fact a politician has to make such a promise speaks to where we’re at as a society today, but perhaps the most interesting aspect of the nine-point code she unveiled is that it’s not just for those running for office but extends to anyone associated with the slate.
That’s because nastiness and name calling typically doesn’t go on between candidates, who are generally respectful of one another during elections contested here in Delta, but it can flourish in the dark underbelly of the campaign where trolls lurk, facts are often Trump-esque and language isn’t for the faint of heart.
For as long as there have been elections, there have been supporters who have done whatever they can to help their candidates of choice, even if it meant crossing a line. The 21st century equivalent of knocking over an opponent’s lawn sign is to spew venom about them digitally, a practice that’s been made exceedingly easy with social media.
It’s hard to determine who is railing on their own and who might be doing so at the behest of a candidate who doesn’t want to get their hands dirty, but mean-spirited behaviour has certainly become pervasive as public discourse reaches new lows.
During that press conference last week, Bishop said she didn’t foresee this year’s campaign getting nasty, but she’s heard from many voters who are fed up, and turned off, by the shenanigans that go on in politics these days. I’m not sure a code of conduct is going to alter that perception to any great degree, but at least it’s a step in the right direction.
The level of civility seems to be declining with every passing day as it’s become far too acceptable to add unhealthy doses of scorn, sarcasm and outright contempt into what should otherwise be an exchange of opinions and ideas. Any effort to raise the dialogue above where it now depressingly finds itself should be embraced by all involved.
