Dear editor,
I am a geek. I love elections. I think that it is a combination of interest in the candidates, their interpretations on issues, and their proposed solutions. Mostly though it is pride that we have the ability to write letters, and express ourselves as a voting public: in short, I am proud to be a democratic Canadian. Not to wave a nationalistic flag, but truly proud.
What sets us apart from developing countries? From dictatorial wastelands? Education. We educate our children to see the importance of being a good neighbour, to understanding world geography, and sociology. Our education has progressed from beyond schools. I have seen our youth throughout the world and have seen the positive impact of our travelling/learning adventures. Whether we gain our education through practical experience or through institutions of higher learning, the whole effect is one that is envied throughout the world. Our public education is not one of singular bias, nor is it a secular initiative: It is well rounded and inclusive.
We have the ability to direct our City in a popular way. Whether we have the desire to move in the current direction under the current leadership, or to move in a business-like fashion. It is our decision, not one foisted upon us by neighbouring communities nor world influences. It is a microcosm of what is a fundamental chunk of masonry that ensures our continued positive growth as a nation. We have the ability to determine our future through our personal influences; our personal education.
Number one, New York Times best selling author Greg Mortenson is promoting peace in Afghanistan through education. He is building schools that include girls in some of the most illiterate, secular areas in central Asia. Through non-secular, rounded education he is giving peace a chance. The Taliban and hardline Muslim extremists have been educating their young men (because women are not allowed) and the results of their education are seen through smoking remains of cars, through terror spread in crowded markets, and to a less but fundamental extent, our own country where we see freedoms and democratic processes bypassed under the guise of national security. Mortenson’s practice of starting education at a primary level has reduced birth mortality to that of any western nation, it has given young men and women cause to question ignorance and secular pride bypassing the initiation into illiterate Taliban indoctrination.
We have seen and continue to experience the results of education in our daily lives: we need to promote and encourage that right so that we can move to a peaceful solution.
So in the coming days, accomplish two things that will help the world and help your city:
• In the upcoming election, you need to exercise your democratic right: You need to vote. If you don’t like any of the candidates present yourself at the polling stations and decline your ballet: you are sending a more powerful message than the ambivalence of not voting. There are many people in this world who would love to be in a country where their voices are heard.
• Read the book Three Cups of Tea. Learn what you can do to help the war on terror. Firing guns and laying bombs are only phases in the war, education and civil reconstruction is what will win the hearts and minds. Buy or borrow it: just read it.
Education is the true method to defusing the bomb of war mongers in this world.
Ken Hickerson, Airdrie
