Observations of a News Junkie

Canada needs a backbone.

We’re known around the world as the polite, peacemaking country. That’s great, I’m all for maintaining such a fabulous reputation.

But it’s gone too far.

Now, our country seems to be quickly losing any moral ground. Polygamy is on trial in British Columbia, with some saying it’s no worse or different than gay marriages and should therefore be legalized. I’m afraid for what that could mean. Family no longer has a foundation or purpose when the parameters are so skewed. Though a new survey shows today’s teenagers are making family a higher priority, it’s not clear why: because they grew up with the most divorces in the country’s history and see the need for stability in the home? because they believe in what the institution is all about and are basing their decision on traditional Christian values?

Maybe they’re too nervous to explain their motivations. Or maybe they simply aren’t sure. This culture of tolerance has paved the way for a complete lack of firm beliefs. Everyone is afraid to stand up for anything, for fear of offending someone else.

Absolute truth still exists, though it’s hard to find in Canada lately. Even if people are seeking it out, they aren’t talking about it. The only thing people seem to be truly standing up for are non-controversial issues, which of course are important. Poverty, malaria, drought – these problems are desperate for our attention. But so are abortion, traditional marriage, stem-cell research, etc. There are so many moral issues that only seem to have a forum in the U.S. and elsewhere.

There was a recent article in the Economist about how tough it is to address corruption in this nation. Trials take years, sentencing is often weak, and the accused - such as Larry O’Brien - continue their daily lives in the meantime. Former prime minister Brian Mulroney and theatre’s Garth Drabinsky are other examples:

Mr O’Brien has refused to step down as Ottawa’s mayor. The Canadian Broadcasting Corporation plans to air a new series of a talent show in which Mr Drabinsky is one of the judges. Mr Mulroney continues to sit on several corporate boards.

Obviously, the innocent until proven guilty rule stands. But why are we so eager to gloss over mistakes and pretend nothing is wrong? Campaign promises have become empty vows with few expectations for actual results. I’d like to see citizens holding their leaders and politicians to higher standards, keeping them accountable for their words and actions.

It’s ultimately O’Brien’s decision to step down or not. But if there had been loud  and clear city-wide outrage and even real  discussion across Ontario over the charges he’s facing, it might have been a different scenario. How is this okay – or even tolerable - for the highest job in the city, the nation’s capital, no less? O’Brien should have left his office the minute the charges were laid. We should expect that and more of our community, municipal, provincial and federal leaders. Pedestals are unnecessary, but if these people are asking for our trust to make important decisions, it’s not unreasonable to raise the bar and expect them to aim for it.

Yes, it’s great to be known as the polite, the peacekeepers, the hospitable. All great qualities for Canada to have. But not when those traits become more important than standing up for what we think is right. Not when we would rather get along with others than have our own beliefs. Not when tolerance becomes a higher priority than absolute truth.