LETTER

We have to participate!

 

Close to a half a century ago, I was a young ambitious optimist in the field but, from the Western perspective, only a negligible artist. And when I talked of different points of view (opinions), this was considered fantasy, an unreachable dream and dismissed like heresy. The politicians knew what was best for the commoners (us); they were the decision-
makers.

In time, we adjust and recognize that the pyramid of societal interdependency demands a new approach in dealing with our present and future, one where we all count. We all depend on each other; time to realize this.  

I have no doubt we will overcome our new obstacles; I am very optimistic, especially when seeing our students with posters and words like, “Every opinion matters, we all matter!”

 

We came a long way over this half a century, and that is why I encourage the readers of this community newspaper to engage in our societal life. Put your opinions out there where they count, be a part of this new world which, thanks to the digital age, gives us the opportunity to be heard.

We are not villagers or peasants any more; we are part of this new world which is connected and we can be heard whether in Ottawa, Washington, Peking or Moscow. We are the citizens of this world. We are the entity inheriting this planet, and it is up to us to change it for the better, yet be responsible to all.  Yes, there is hope, if we participate!

Rasto Hlavina
Pontiac