Five Years a Writer

I love a good conversation. A vigorous back and forth of ideas and opinions between people who think and ponder and wonder about the world and how to make it a better place for more of us. Sadly, as the infamous quote from Canada’s first (and so far only) female prime minister, Kim Campbell , goes, election campaigns are not the time for robust discussion of serious issues. Even if the issues are raised, debate — real debate, grounded in evidence-based reasoning and articulate arguments supporting policy promises — is very, very rare. And what a loss that is for the voters. From the door step to the TV lecterns, very little real debate happens. On the TV, it seems scripted and vicious — often it’s jabs that are delivered at the opponent more than persuasive arguments against their positions. On the doorstep, it’s a challenge to even get the door open.  And, once open, it’s rare, these days in my experience, to encounter an individual interested in an exchange of viewpoints no matter ho