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James Freeman Clarke was an American theologian and author who made the observation “The difference between a politician and a statesman is that a politician thinks about the next election, while the statesman thinks about the next generation.”

Unfortunately, at one of the most difficult times in our history we, as a province, find ourselves without a statesman or stateswoman, but with an overabundance of politicians.

Never before have we seen such a blatant demonstration of self-serving political manoeuvring to ensure re-election by a political party than the actions of Dwight Ball and his government. They have completely ignored the provisions for a fixed-date election, called an election before the Easter break to throw their opponents at a disadvantage, allowed the so called “budget” to die on the order paper without any debate from all elected officials — officials also elected by the people of this province — and ensured the public will go to the polls before any of the current Liberal administration have to testify at the Muskrat Falls inquiry.

When did it become acceptable for politicians to flout that sacred trust that we, the people of this province, gave them with the expectation they would enact it with integrity and respect for us — the electorate — and our future?

Unfortunately, at one of the most difficult times in our history we, as a province, find ourselves without a statesman or stateswoman, but with an overabundance of politicians. Never before have we seen such a blatant demonstration of self-serving political manoeuvring to ensure re-election by a political party than the actions of Dwight Ball and his government.

Apparently it became acceptable when we let them make it so. There’s an old saying we all know that goes “people will treat you how you let them treat you,” and we allowed this.

So what is the answer?

That’s hard to say. But one thing is certain, collectively, it’s time for people in this province to stand up and demand better.

Every day.

In your communities, online, with your MHAs, in print, on the radio and TV — anywhere you can get your voice heard. Speak out about a little thing, or a big thing, but speak out about something outside of yourself. Look outside of your district and think about what’s going on in your province and make them pay attention.

When the 2019 candidates come to your door challenge them on issues that are important to you and not only your district, but your province. Don’t smile and nod and accept a meaningless photo-op. We’ve told the politicians loud and clear we want the tone and ethics of politics raised in this province.

They didn’t listen.

What this Liberal government did do, was give us a budget that offered some small tokens of relief and then tell us we couldn’t even have that unless we re-elect them.

Break out the cake, I suppose.

Now is the time to raise the bar on our expectations of what it means to be an elected member of our house of assembly and make the politicians act accordingly.

Who knows, we might even see the return of the statesman or woman and the decline of the politician.

Lorna Yard

Witless Bay

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