A former editor I worked with at AM 1220/CJUL in Cornwall, Lorne Wiebe, used to mark the new year with a commentary called “Beefs and Bouquets.” This commentary highlighted some of the best and worst in the news in the year – a yearly Festivus “Airing of Grievances” if you will.
Beginning with the “beefs” – COVID-19. It’s 2023, haven’t we nipped this thing in the bud by now?
Three years to deal with a global pandemic seems long when your attention span is used to flipping through the 200-channel multi-verse. Politicians in Canada have said there is nothing to see with wave after wave of infections. Why are the science people not falling in line with the politicians? There couldn’t be smoke billowing from that dumpster, could there?
All sarcasm aside, how governments dealt with pandemic restrictions, and how some people avoided personal responsibility for trying to mitigate this pandemic, along with the normal respiratory viruses that occur in the season, lands COVID-19 at the top of my list for “beefs.”
Inflation lands near the top of my “beefs” list too. The Consumer Price Index tracks inflation and says we peaked at 5.5 per cent in July 2022. But the CPI also excludes food and energy costs – the most volatile and important costs people have. Statistics Canada says our highest inflation rate with those volatile costs included was 8.2 per cent in June 2022. I don’t buy that.
If a grocery item increases from $3.99 to $4.99, that’s a 25 per cent increase. Over several months, with gas prices that go up 10 cents per litre because the moon is in retrograde or some oil exec stubbed his toe, that is not an 8.2 per cent increase.
Russia also nears the top of my list, but so do Ukraine’s allies. Russia’s illegal war against Ukraine needs to end. And Ukraine’s allies need to provide good weaponry, not clapped out, tired, soon-to-be-retired, weaponry. It’s a horrible situation in Ukraine and makes me appreciate where I live and the “first world” problems I experience.
Political inaction is also high on the “beefs” list.
Enough empty promises and platitudes when there are issues to be resolved. Roll up your sleeves and get to work. Fix the problems. This sounds simplistic, I know. If government-types spent half as much time doing the work as they do creating a “media strategy” or “talking points”, or just talk circles around problems, the problem/issue would already be halfway resolved. More substance, less sizzle – that’s how it should be.
Social media rounds out my list of “beefs.” If I see one more video or post about some inane thing a person trying to be famous has done, or another gaff by a politician or celebrity, it will be too soon. Many people could do with less screen time, and more time going out and doing things. Just do everyone a favour and don’t post online about it.
Readers, don’t worry if you think this is all negative – I have a few bouquets too.
First up, community groups. Formal organizations like the local branches of the Royal Canadian Legion, and area Lions Clubs, and more informal groups like 100 Women Who Care About South Dundas – all have given big in 2022. When you tally up all the money that has been donated to community programs, sports organizations, and others, it’s well over $100,000. For a community that is barely 11,000 people – that’s a lot of funds to groups in need.
Second, but not any less than the first, is community volunteers. Whether it is driving people to cancer treatments, delivering Meals on Wheels, maintaining flower beds in community parks or coaching a sports team, all contributions matter and have value. Anything someone can do for others is great. This especially rings true for those who just go about helping out, never seeking credit and shy away from recognition. Thank you to those who volunteer.
And finally on the short list of bouquets, 2023. There is an old saying that if you end the year with a dollar more in your pocket than you began it, you had a successful year. Hopefully 2023 will be better than previous years – even if past years were good. Given the challenges of the past few years, a positive 2023 is something we should all hope and strive for.
Happy New Year everyone!
This column was originally published in the January 4, 2023 print edition of the Morrisburg Leader.