Interesting Times In Denmark and Here

There was an old curse that simply stated, “May you live in interesting times”.  On the surface, sounds like a blessing, no one wants to live a boring life, but it really depends on what your definition of interesting is.  We have had 2 long years of interesting, financially, socially, constitutionally, politically, and even the weather has been “Interesting”.  Initially, when I was going to write this note, my primary focus was on the type of leadership we have seen at federal and provincial levels in the country. How some styles of leadership in my opinion have become too polished, and too far removed from being representative of the folks in their constituencies.

Leaders that are more concerned with polls, the next election, rather than putting themselves out on the line, to get eyeball to eyeball not only with the folks that agree with them, but those that don’t.  An example of this style is the leaders who would have police officers, or muse with the use of the military to “Deal With” folks who were in the truck convoys, rather than take the opportunity provided to meet with leaders of those groups themselves to hear their concerns.  In my opinion, when that many people show up, who never typically “protest”, for that long, and it’s an organic movement you had better take it seriously, and you had better listen.

After only being involved in politics for 3 years, I am finding out, is that for some reason I am a threat to some in this arena who are career politicians.  As I don’t seem to fit the mold of what the “system” has grown to expect.  I have also found that the system has fundamentally changed over the last 30 years according to those that were around at that time.  I believe that we need to shakeup the system, perhaps look back to how many things used to be done and take the best items from those periods and implement them to go forward.  Humble ourselves, acknowledge that perhaps the new way isn’t the best way, and those that have “been there and done that” are the ones that we need to pay more attention too, rather than the latest “Polling” report.

When Old William Shakespeare wrote in Hamlet that there was something rotten in the state of Denmark, he wasn’t talking about Denmark, but the leadership at the time in his own country.  Mr. Shakespeare wrote for all segments of society, not just for the upper classes, and that is why many of his stories, and the themes resonate today.  When I look at our province, and our country, I can definitely relate with the statement, there is something rotten in the state of Denmark.   I am encouraged however by all of the true patriotism I’ve seen lately.  People wanting to be engaged in selecting the leaders of tomorrow and being a part of the team that encourages the leaders of today to do the right things, for the right reasons.  The best way to do that is to literally buy a membership in a political party, vote on policy, and of course, vote on who you want as leadership to run in the next election.

I was very happy to have a table at the capital region gun show that was held at the Stony Plain Heritage Park this weekend, and speak at an event put on by the Edmonton United Services Institute held at the Alberta Aviation Museum.  The event in Edmonton was all about the application and utilization of drones in the military, and for civilian use.  The gun show, well, that was all about fantastic grass roots engagements and being able to get out and talk to people again.  I’ll keep on weathering the storm for as long as needed, thanks for the support.

After the gun show I received a call from a friend who was asking for help from his family in Ukraine that really put things into perspective for me.  He said the folks back there were very appreciative for the blankets and pillows, but what they really needed was helmets and body amour.  I spent Sunday evening and Monday connecting people so that we could pull together a supply of just that.  If you want to help in this regard, please contact my office, so that we can send what the soldiers, and right now everyday citizens need to try keep control of their country.  At the end of the day, it’s not about us, it’s not about politics, its about friends and family, and doing what we can to be there for them when they need us the most, and that may be in those “Interesting Times”.

Sincerely,

Shane Getson