Riots, revolutions, anger, fear, impotence and hopelessness.
We are hearing so much of this all around the world, including in our own community, it almost seems like the only thing left to do is to sit in front of the TV watching drivel about the foibles of the rich and famous or cower in bed with the blankets pulled firmly over our heads.
There is a general feeling of malaise among the public who feel so ignored and powerless that they've almost given up trying to keep those who are supposed to represent us, the people, in check.
This it seems, is what a number of those who hold positions of power and wealth would like the general public to do.
Give up.
It is much easier then, to act in ways that will profit them from policies and activities that have seen a growing disparity between the privileged and the ever growing masses of the poor.
There have been all kinds of commentary about the Vancouver and London riots and why they happened.
We've watched the Arab Spring uprising and its ensuing taking down of governments and wonder why we are seeing this upheaval. Are the root causes the same? Possibly yes.
I'm not giving excuses for the behaviour of those involved in rioting but I do think there is a connection between riots and revolutions.
Both result from a loss of respect for authority and those who wield it.
Whether we live in a democracy or a dictatorship, when we see those who govern us act in illegal, immoral and unethical ways and there are no real consequences for their actions, those in authority will find it difficult to call out others for doing what is also illegal and unethical.
Why should we be surprised when we see a generation that finds it hard to find a moral compass when our financial and political leaders continually flout the law and suffer little or no consequences.
The irony in this is that in a dictatorship, when favoured status is given to policies and projects that enrich government supporters over the objections of their people, eventually they revolt.
In a democracy, we see that it becomes hard to convince people that their vote makes any difference and they stop voting, which eventually results in a form of democratic dictatorship, as those who have a vested interest in a present government will ensure they retain power. They get out and vote.
There's a growing tendency for governments to not only ignore the wishes of the people who are affected by their policies but to disparage and marginalize those who try to fight back.
Locally, survey results are seemingly ignored, public hearings are cancelled and it seems "the process" is uncertain and ever changing.
When ordinary citizens feel the necessity to storm city hall to be heard, it's time to get involved. Please don't give up, get active.
Have your say now and go to SurveyMonkey.com and answer the questions relating to Delta.
