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Saturday, February 6, 2021 - daily column #6660
Better judgements?
Where?
When?
I find it interesting – from my vantage point as news-junkie, politics-watcher, and citizen of this earth – that each regime change in companies, countries, NGOs and communities calls for reversals of previous decisions.
In my backyard, two items in the news illustrate this comedy.
Putting fluoride in the water is supported by incontrovertible science, legions of dentists and any sane person who wants their children to have healthy teeth.
Each of several times a plebiscite has won on this issue, the City of Calgary did not act. In other words, elected officials defied the will of voters. With the issue on the table yet again, they waffle and avoid working to implement a decision twice already made. Because it’s an election year. Those who are running again or competing for higher office got weak in the knees and the head simultaneously because they fear the issue will be attached to them the way tar and feathers worked in days of old.
And, in the makes even-less-sense department, they reduced speed limits. No need for a plebiscite, apparently, on that question.
I’m not opposed to the speed-limit reductions, but I am mystified at the contradiction in methodology, cost, and timing in making an actionable decision. Reducing speed limits is safe, costs them nothing politically – because who can argue with safer streets? It seems safer water is something they’ve twice failed to act on with a plebiscite directing them, so why should we believe they’ll follow the voters’ will this time?
No shortage of crazy choices by elected officials everywhere; it seems we have a legitimate gong show running here …
Reader feedback:
Speaking of which, I did write you a letter. I took your advice and wrote my son, and my wife, and then decided, I should write and thank you. I did not have your home address so sent it to your office, RT, White Rock, BC
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