Dear Editor,

After an extended holiday from concerns of the larger world, we are now faced, like it or not, with a year of electioneering and awkward posturing; politicians parading as saviours of this or that, promising deliverance from strife, if only we can muster the fortitude to vote correctly. Oh, and don’t forget to send oodles of money to your favourite candidate, so they can dominate the media with messages of hope or terror.

Justin Trudeau has announced his resignation as leader and Prime Minister. He’s at least a year overdue with that, but who will replace him? Right now, I see nobody worthy of the position. Don’t mistake bumper sticker slogans with viable political strategy.

South of the border, they have elected the person least-qualified to lead, and he is surrounding himself with a coterie of even less-qualified scoundrels, intent upon dismantling the delicate compact between government and the governed, which has held for 200 years.

Let’s not make the same mistake here. Look for someone, preferably a human, who will calmly do his/her best to keep government running smoothly. If it’s salvation you want, get religion. If it’s financial independence you want, be frugal and invest wisely in things you really want and need. I intend to redirect my attention and energy away from the empty rhetoric of politicians and toward music, art and fellowship of people with whom I live. But that’s just my way, and you may deeplly wish to fret and worry over distant issues. It’s a big country, so there’s room for that, too.

Robert Wills, Shawville and Thorne