My congratulations to all the candidates that ran in last month’s civic election, although I have no idea why anyone would want to run for government given all that public abuse and the poorest paycheque at city hall.
It’s very disappointing to me that only 43 per cent of eligible voters exercised their right to vote, while around the world people protest, fight and die simply in an effort to attain that right. Our participation is pathetic.
This lack of voter participation also reflects badly on our observance of Remembrance Day. For all the effort and suffering our veterans and their families have endured to keep our rights and freedoms and 57 per cent of the voting age residents in Delta can’t get off their butts to vote every few years.
I believe it should be a rule in society that if you don’t vote, you should not be allowed to complain about the government you get. No letters to the editor, radio talk shows or over the backyard fence to the neighbours.
One more point on Remembrance Day: I find it very disrespectful that stores, advertisements and some homes have their Christmas displays in place before Remembrance Day. Customers walk past a vet asking them to purchase a poppy to remember the fallen, and you go inside to candies and Christmas decorations. Give it a rest for a couple of days and don’t mix Remembrance Day with Christmas.
As well, if you must put your Christmas lights up early, that’s fine, just don’t turn them on until after Nov. 11. Lest we forget.
In my column last August I suggested that all electronic devices should be removed from schools, at least in grades 1 to 8. Shortly thereafter a letter was printed in the Optimist calling me a Luddite.
Since then I’ve read several articles that refer to studies that show this technology is destroying intellectual and emotional function. By Grade 12 most of the technology they have learned is outdated, but they have missed many of the skills they will need in everyday life.
Recently I have become aware of a private school in Silicon Valley called The Waldorf School which does not allow any electronic devices in schools. Seventy-five per cent of the students’ parents in this school are employed by high tech industry in the valley, so do you think mom and dad know something they aren’t telling us? I rest my case.
As a final thought, I was wondering how a caravan of Canadians, complete with toques, a pair of skates on a hockey stick and a box of Timbits in the other hand, headed for the U.S. border would be received by the American media?
They could claim they are very afraid of what the prime minister of the Canadian government cartel might do next, and how the government is now involved in drug trafficking. As well they could claim the government cartel takes over 50 per cent of everyone’s wages without their permission, and now wants to tax them for an invisible gas. Are those good reasons to look for a better life in America? Just asking.
My next column isn’t printed until after Christmas so I would like to offer the folks of South Delta a very peaceful and happy Christmas from the Hoover family.
Greg Hoover is a project manager in industrial and commercial construction who has lived with Christina in Tsawwassen for over 25 years.
