Next weekend are our local elections. National politics probably comprises most people's daily intake of news. Yet in most cases, contrary to conventional wisdom, people are not more engaged in local elections. I have definite views on the candidates for mayor of our little city. You'd think I would have been actively listening to the 23 candidates for New Westminster City council but I admit to being more than a little apathetic. And trustees for the school board, frankly, who cares?I am of the opinion, that generally, candidates are self-aggrandising. The concept of serving the community through public office sounds a bit trite to my ears. Yet, I really should support this way of letting those with ambition affect the system. Anyone can try to make a statement. After all, the main alternative method would throwing Molotov cocktails. Politics at its most vile is more civilized that.
I spent 15 years in the Persian Gulf. The lack of experience in democratic institutions is part of the reason it will take generations to get the Middle East straightened out. Imagine that a majority in the region live under regimes where they have zero say and no alternatives.