Hands in prayer
“It was a good look,” said one commentator. Others joined in that chorus, “reading the tea leaves” of the ceremony where politicians gathered to honour victims of the Tumbler Ridge school shooting. It was a sickening analysis at a time of mourning.
When Elder George Desjarlais of West Moberly First Nations started to pray, he asked all present to join hands. The governor general, prime minister and leader of the official opposition dutifully held hands as the elder sang for the lost souls and for courage for those remaining as they try to heal.
As people joined as one and wept, memories of better times flowed and the realization that the world would never be the same again took root. For the country, our relative innocence to such tragedies was shattered once again. Senseless violence can never be understood, but school shootings are a whole other level of depravity.
Just as no child should have to attend school in fear, no parent should send a child to school, worried that violence could strike. But here we are. The closure of John F. Ross high school in Guelph last Thursday is the most recent example of disrupted lives and unnecessary stress caused by a threat called in the night before. Poor choices demand severe penalties.
In recent weeks we find ourselves wondering more and more about the news and the overuse of commentators to tell viewers what they are seeing. Similarly, these advisors have the ear of party leaders and politicians, directing their clients on what will look good or garner votes. It’s time to get real.
To have a moment of sincerity, like leaders holding hands during a vigil, referenced as a “good look” tells us about all we need to know about what ails today’s politics. That wasn’t an act of theatre. The words of Prime Minister Mark Carney, opposition Leader Pierre Poilievre, Governor General Mary Simon and others were messages of condolence to Canadians.
If politicians want to reclaim the high ground and move the country forward, get rid of the advisors, strategists and drama. Be authentic and real. Do the right thing, shed the wedge issues and polarizing divisions – lead with conviction and purpose.
Be the thoughtful leaders we saw in BC last week.