When a person finds oneself sympathetic to the views and opinions of a minority, there is little benefit in resorting to name-calling, and no good can result from attempting to publicly ridicule the people with a differing opinion. At the end of the day, the schoolyard bully usually goes home from the fight with fewer friends than he showed up with.
That applies, in my opinion, to the state of affairs in Qualicum Beach. To some, it seems perfectly acceptable to refer to certain town councillors as the “Gang of Three.” In a democratic society, the proper label to affix to these individuals is “The Majority” — nothing more, nothing less.
What this name-calling and public pouting does accomplish, much like in the case of the schoolyard bully, is quite the opposite to what is hoped for or expected by those who partake in it. As stated before, they usually go home from the fight with fewer friends than they showed up with.
To stoop to name-calling of this type shows a disdain for the principles of democracy as well as the dismissal of the majority of voters who, in good conscience, voted for these councillors.
At election time, when public perception is so important, it is surprising to find so many people who have no problem at all being thought of as a pouting bully.
Jim RitterQualicum Beach
