Approaching Spring Equinox

Day and night are nearly even, but the world feels darker. It’s their turn, I tell myself. People who feel cheated, left out, they’ve got representation. I’m not talking about Trump and his circle, but our Canadian version, our Doug Ford, leading the Conservatives in Ontario. His brother was an early example of of crass populism, our drugged up Toronto mayor, paving the way.

It might be the time for people who feel they’ve finally got a public voice. And if they despise many things I place great value on–art, scholarship, public broadcasting and public institutions of all kinds–that’s their right. But if Doug Ford’s populism draws in haters, that’s something else. In a democracy, other citizens may not share my priorities. I can accept that they may elect someone who shares theirs. But I cannot accept hate. And I won’t.

If hatred comes to our government, as it has to governments in the U.S., the UK, and Europe, then I will riot, all 5′ 2″ of me, all introverted and readerly, if that’s what it takes to say no to it.

I would rather sit with the light. Whether it’s in the long summer days or the shortening of winter, I would rather love my neighbour peaceably. But if love requires it, I will riot.