Slow-Burn Epiphany

The other day, on Twitter, I said, “Acknowledging the positive is more effective than berating the negative.” What’s wrong with me? You all know that I like rage against the machine – point out what is wrong with how things are done in our society. And don’t get me wrong – I see many things wrong with how we allow our society to be run. Like, 1% of our population owning 50% of our wealth! Grrrrrrr…..

But something else has come up for me recently. It’s been like a slow-burn epiphany of sorts. Over the last few months, I have made an effort to acknowledge the positive in my life, and have begun to believe those that acknowledge the same in me. And I notice the difference! My outlook is more positive overall. In the face of the negative that happens around me, I still feel happy.

So, with this newfound positive outlook, what’s a guy to do when I see all these problems!!!? This came up on my social media accounts over the last little while. I expressed offence at consistently being referred to as a “taxpayer” in the media and by politicians of all stripes. Some people agreed and expressed their frustration while others express privilege at being acknowledged for contributing financially to our country. Differences are to be expected. But how do I reconcile this newfound positive outlook with the pointing out of problems?

I see it like this: if I’m going to point out a problem in our society/system/etc then I better be prepared to offer a solution. Or point to those that are working on a solution.

So here it is. The term “taxpayer” as the media and politicians use it, leaves out many people who can’t contribute financially to our system. It assumes they don’t have a voice because they don’t contribute. Yet, on close examination, all of us contribute in various ways – taxes being but one of those ways. Think about all the ways you contribute every day to make Canada the kind of society it is. It also assumes that all who pay taxes have a voice. This is untrue. Businesses and corporations pay taxes but are not entitled to a say in our democracy: they can’t vote or otherwise participate directly – only individual citizens can.

My solution: lets get back to referring to ourselves as citizens so we are all included! A citizen is an individual that is entitled to participate in our democracy and contributes in a variety of ways to Canadian society.