Jan. 1 - Salt Spring Island Archives

Page 4 GULF ISLANDS DRIFTWOOD Wednesday, January 1, 1986OpinionBest thing about 1985The year of grace, 1985, has run its course and isbowing out to give place to a new year of hope,1986.The year has brought us little improvement inthe economy as unemployment has haunted everyfamily in every community. Nationally, the year isone best forgotten by those who identify closelywith the Ottawa scene. Provincially, it broughtlittle notable change.Locally, the year brought a quieter and moreharmonious administration to the islands, andparticularly to Salt Spring Island. But it left anumber of questions unanswered. Economically,the cold hand of unemployment crippled some andexerted a brake on almost all aspects of the islandseconomy.The best we can say for the year now closing isthat it could have been worse, but not much worse.The hopes of Canadians, nationally,provincially and locally, for an improved state ofaffairs in the coming year of 1986 havejustification.We can all hope to see a more aggressive federalgovernment policy in the coming year. We canhope that there will be no more hesitation betweenministerial pronouncements and that an orderednational administration might lead us to a moreprosperous national economy.is it could have been woHere's hoping.new year is betterThe bright star on the provincial scene is theproduct of both federal and provincialcontributions. The people of this province havelong heard hopeful predictions for Expo 86 and allthat it would bring to British Columbia. Expo isnow! This is the year: let us all fervently hope thatthe predictions have been justified! Expo for theprovince and the run-off from Expo for theprovincial communities could spell the boost inthe provincial economy that has been too longlacking.Among the islands, the first hope for 1986 is areduction in the level of unemployment. Therehave been too many families facing hard times fortoo long. There can be no joy in a new year unlessthe new year brings hope of a regular employmentand a regular income.The first hope for the new year at all levels mustbe the call for an improvement in the economy. Itis a call for a nation and a province and acommunity in which every citizen is able to live indignity.There are other concerns for the new year. ThereDON'T WORRY, BEMEN THE NEW YEARS PITIES ID THEFOG.TilE NEIGHBORS Will NEVER KNOW WHAT HIT THEHis a common thread tying together the nationaland the provincial and the regional scenes. Thisthread extends into governments, administrationsand business.As a nation we have forgotten how to talk withone another. We have identified as enemies thosewhose opinions differ from our own. Only foolsfail to submit to our persuasions. This intoleranceof any who thinks differently from ourselvesextends right through the heart of the nationalpicture.The federal cabinet has enjoyed unprecedentedattention for the apparent inability of its ministersto discuss privately their vital concerns beforemaking public utterances. This failure to establishcommunication within the cabinet has beendisastrous outside the cabinet.The province is little better. While there is littleapparent disharmony within the governmentcaucus, there is no harmony evident amonglegislators at large.There is more venom than wit recorded in theprovincial Hansard. There is more oratory in theaverage public house on a Saturday evening thanin the exchanges similarly recorded.A system whereby government and oppositioncould meet and exchange opinions andpreferences before airing their prejudices in publicmight contribute greatly.Confrontation is not debate. It is as satisfying tothe parties engaged as a punch on the nose, butneither confrontation nor punch settles the issueunder debate.A province divided can no more stand than canthe house described in the Gospels.This same thread runs through the entirepattern of labour relations. Enemies meet inenmity and the whole province suffers. Allparticipants are intelligent spokesmen for theirfellows, punching their way through angry verbalbattles.If all participants in industrial encounters wereto meet as friends and not as bitter antagonists, thehealth of the province could increaseimmeasurably.This same pattern of bitterness in exchange is tobe found in our own communities. A review of thepast year's island activities reveals a number ofareas where quiet debate resolved a disputed issue,particularly in the affairs of the Gulf IslandsSchool District.There is no community in all of Canadaenjoying a more delightful setting than these quiet,peaceful islands. The quiet and the peace are herefor our enjoyment only as long as we toleratethem.Let us resolve that in this opening year of gracewe nurture our peace and quiet and that we enjoythese features in company with our friends andneighbours.For ever!