Everybody talks about the weather, but nobody ever does anything about it. That's because you can't. But the weather doesn't seem to be the only thing folks around here talk about that doesn't get changed much. For example, take politics. Please take politics. Take politics somewhere around the corner and beat the living daylights out of it. For me.
I don't like saying it, but I'm just as political as the next guy, and I don't like myself very much because of it. It's akin to a necessary evil, and it can make your skin crawl. For something so necessary, why do you have to feel as if you've been playing in the dirt whenever you get involved? True, it is a way to get things done, and public service can be very rewarding and altruistic. But there has always been an aspect of politics that just drives a lot of us right off the deep end.
The activity attracts those who wish to truly do something for the collective good, but it also attracts self-serving narcissists seeking the rewards and perks that come with the territory. It's the latter that contribute to our cynicism. That's framing it nicely.
Without having the room to go into more detail, the above forms the reason why today, I am beginning a write-in campaign to encourage Mike Holmes, of Holmes on Homes fame, to seek public office of the highest sort.
In fact, the prime minister’s chair would be beneath him. Besides me, he's the only person I can think of at the moment who would make a first-rate, first emperor of North America. That may be a tad ambitious, but you can't deny that politics as we know it could use a major shake-up. Mike's philosophy of doing things right the first time, for my money, is a much-needed, seldom applied principle that politics so desperately needs.
I am neither a fatalist nor a doomsayer, but you have to agree that the status quo thinking, not only in this country, but all over the world, has put us dangerously close to self annihilation and the current state of affairs is the collective result of the way we do things. Our entire philosophical approach to resource development, as just one example, is similar to Mike walking in on some shoddy construction that more often than not, requires him to tear it all down just so he can start over doing it right.
The Holmes Foundation recently announced plans to undertake, in conjunction with the Assembly of First Nations, the building of sustainable and efficient homes that enhance community design and planning and that utilize appropriate green technologies and clean energy sources to improve health and living conditions in First Nations communities. They will be establishing a First Nation Centre of Excellence on best practices for sustainable housing and infrastructure construction.
National Chief Atleo indicated that too many communities are struggling with rundown and collapsing housing and infrastructure as a result of chronic under-funding. This creates a whole spectrum of related problems, from poor health to poor performance in school and to poverty for too many native people. Having the Holmes Group involved in this project is one step towards safer and healthier communities.
The Statement of Partnership also referenced that, for the future, we need to build real communities that not only serve the residents but also give back what they take from the land. Development must take the example from the original stewards of this land whose culture is intimately connected to our natural environment and resources.
After reading that, it occurred to me that the country could benefit from a similar undertaking. And Mike's the guy. Every man wants to be like Mike, and all the women I know want to marry him. I guess being a professional handyman with a stellar reputation comes in - dare I say it - handy. Anyway, Mike, if you're listening, the country is calling you. OK, it's just me, but I pride myself on being a good judge of character. If you would just view politics as needing a major rebuild, I think we could use your help.
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