Being an op-ed columnist can sometimes feel like being perpetually in opposition to government. It is incumbent upon us, I believe to hold public officials accountable and therefore be critical.
I do my best, of course, to offer, along with criticism, some kind of alternative and give credit when credit is due.
Of course, I am human so I bring my own biases, but I believe I come by them honestly, by carefully weighing the evidence. And I am open to changing my mind if I am presented with new and better evidence.
I frequently slam the Conservative government in this column because I truly believe the evidence indicates their so-called “tough on crime” agenda is wrong-headed. Even American Republicans are starting to recognize the failure of the policy.
There have been times, however, when I agree with the government of the day on justice issues. Just as an example, the new gun licencing legislation seems like a pretty good bill.
I will continue in the new year to call it as I see it, but as 2014 winds up, I am feeling charitable. I have frequently said I believe I won the lottery of birth. To be born a white male in the mid-20th century in Canada is truly a privilege.
As Canadians of all political stripes, we often disagree on the details of making the country a better place for all, but we do share I think, for the most part, a common vision based on the rule of law, respect for human rights and free speech.
I never feel truly afraid to express my views in this column or anywhere else.
We don’t always get things right, but I think we are always trying to get things right. We have built a great nation, not a perfect one, but one that is among the world leaders in advanced thought and ethics.
And while we sometimes get bogged down in partisanship, I have to believe we have the capacity to work together for a better Canada.
