Stand up. Use your voice. Be heard.

October 5, 2011 Editor Opinion

The question most frequently asked to election candidates – in some form or another – is “What about me?”

Each and every person has their own story of how they’ve been affected (or more aptly, forgotten) by government and politics. Most often what I hear are people wondering why they have been overlooked by those people they helped vote into office in the first place. 

And, consequently, at election time people are often heard speculating on whether or not there’s even  a point to voting. Will it make a difference? Does this person care about me and my family? Will they work to ensure that I find a job? Will they work to ensure that I have a family doctor? Will they protect my children’s rights to a good education?

Basically, what we’re really asking is “Do I matter?” OR “Is my voice important?”

We, as members of a democratic society, elect fellow members – no better and no worse than we – who will represent us and our needs. I’ve said it before and I will say it again, it is really hard for one person to meet the needs of every single person, especially when many of those needs will inevitably clash.

However, the majority of people are the ones who aren’t heard. They’re the ones,  living in poverty, who seem invisible to government, to government officials, and oftentimes to neighbours. What about people on social assistance who want to work, but need help making that happen? What about people working minimum wage jobs who can’t afford to pay the rent or buy groceries? What about the single mom with three small children who is trying to work, take care of her children while maintaining her sanity, all on her own? 

There are so many people with so many stories from all backgrounds, culture, religions, age groups, and so on who need to be heard. Is it the responsibility of the elected representative to know what you – specifically you – need? Or is it your responsibility to come forward and ask for what you need?

Rather than sit back – complaining, moping and feeling victimized by the system – why not contact your representative, explain your situation, and ask for some help? Stand up. Use your voice. Be heard.

Since you’re here…

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Speaking out against the rebuilding of Dunbar Hall

August 1, 2012 Editor Opinion

 

This is a topic that is just not going to die down or go away. This re-building of the Dunbar Community Center is total nonsense. 

Sure, it may have been used as a polling station for all elections. Is this the only building in 50 square miles that could be used?  Or are we going to spend $210,000 for a new polling station? I could see that way of thinking for a politician. Why not build a Taj Mahal of polling stations!

Now, who is this “Staff” that allowed the politicians to make a choice? Mr. Byvelds, this word “Staff” is used many times in your interview with the Chesterville Record. Who are they, and how many are there? 

You received a petition from the residents of Dunbar. How many signatures on this petition were there and were they verified as you did with the drainage problem? 

Shouldn’t the whole township of South Dundas have a say where our money goes?

The rest of this township has not given you carte blanche to let the politicians to do what they think is best for us!!

Look what has happened to Ontario since McGuinty had his own way. I guess we were the “Staff” and told him to do what is best for us!

This council is having trouble managing the assets that we do have, let alone re-building some more. And if you are looking at re-sale after it is built, what cloud was your head in at that time. 

Believe it or not, there is a recession going on and what business would be looking at the town of Dunbar to re-locate. Perhaps the slaughter house (oh sorry, Abattoir) will expand?  

If we are a “community of communities” as you say, where is Morrisburg’s community center since it was taken away?

But I have to say kudos to the council!! 

As of this date, July 25th, 2012, I hear that they are going to be paving the corner of Laurier Dr. and County Road #2. Somebody must have been listening (or reading). But this has taken a few years to just get this done. 

So now we know how long it will take to get our dock done.  Maybe all we have to do is cover the dock and call it a new polling station. This will ensure the upgrades are done to make it safe for all voters (and boaters).

Regards

Gregg Foss

 

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No Picture
Opinion

Perspectives by Rev. Duncan Perry

October 16, 2013 Editor Opinion

 

Thanksliving

I know Thanksgiving is over.  We celebrated that special day just two days ago.  Now, here we are getting on with life, and we have probably forgotten all about what we had to be thankful for then.  

However, may I suggest that we have much to be thankful for today.  In fact, may I even suggest that we change the word from “Thanksgiving” to “Thanksliving.”  Just one letter changed, but a world of difference in how we view life and yes, in how we live life.

I am reminded of an old hymn, ‘Count Your Blessings’. The words are as follows,” Count your Blessings, Name them one by one, Count your Blessings, See what God has done, Count your Blessings, Name them one by one, And it will surprise you what the Lord has done.”  

Indeed, when we pause to reflect on life we don’t have to look very hard to see how blessed our lives are, especially here in Canada.  When I was a child, I remember an older Gentleman in our church suggesting that we change the words to that hymn.  

His rendition went like this.  “Count your blessings, Name them two by two and It will surprise you, What the Lord will do.”  

He certainly had a point.  We often get so caught up in trying to accumulate more, that we end up forgetting to be thankful for what we have.

How much different would our lives be if we started each day with Thankfulness for all that God has blessed us with.  I know some may now be thinking, what has God got to do with it.  Why thank God?  

Well, I know you believe it is your hard work and ingenuity that has made it possible for you to have what you have.  May I tell you that it is God who has given you the ability and the strength to do what you do.  Please don’t make the mistake of putting yourself in the place that only He deserves.

 So as we walk or work to get rid of the extra calories, we have consumed or the extra pounds we have gained from Thanksgiving turkey and pumpkin pie, may I suggest an attitude adjustment.  

Instead of celebrating one day a year, what we are blessed to enjoy, let’s go from ‘Thanksgiving’ to ‘Thanksliving.’

It may surprise you how God has blessed you and continues to do so.  In fact, why not pause right now and give Him thanks for your family, for your health, for all of His goodness to you,  including, giving His Son to redeem you from sin.   

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