Sunday, September 20, 2009

Protests, Petitions and the Need for Good Government

I'm beginning to see something very interesting in the current political climate. It's safe to say that it's a very different world at the Legislature than what it's been for the past 2 years.  The atmosphere is completely different than what I expected.  I assumed the rhetoric would die down and things would 'simmer' rather than boil.  I was very wrong....

The Government has been forced to make some difficult and extremely unpopular decisions due to the current economic situation.  The Opposition has no end of material for Question Period, the ensuing media scrums and the radio talk shows.  I don't necessarily think this is a bad thing.  In fact, if you can see past the bluster, desk thumping and heckling (all part of our political system....) this may well be the best thing that can happen in our province.

A strong and effective opposition is the key to good government.  While it's true that the Government has a majority and will likely vote according to policy and platform, the awareness of unhappy and dissatisfied voters will undoubtedly give them cause for sober reflection, especially if the Opposition is successful in providing effective resistance on key initiatives. 

 During the election, we prayed that God would give us leaders of His choosing who would provide good and effective government for us.  While the government's decisions have been somewhat surprising and unexpected, I'm starting to see that God is using a host of circumstances to provide exactly what we asked for.  We need a strong Opposition who will ensure that the effect of Government decisions and actions is in the public eye. 

In the midst of this new political atmosphere, we have a responsibility before God for those who have been elected to lead.  It would be easy to be caught up in the anger that is being directed at the government, but it is neither becoming nor fruitful. Disagree if you choose, but understand that our greatest effectiveness comes as we make petitions rather than signing them.  

The fact is that our leaders on both sides of the Legislature need someone praying for them and encouraging them NOW more than ever.  We need to rise to the occasion as never before to stand in the gap on behalf of those making the most significant decisions in our province in a generation.  Call your MLA and tell him/her that you are praying for them.  I promise you, they will be grateful!

3 comments:

Anonymous said...

Dear Tim
Thank you for your posting/report. Good to read. Signing petition(s) has a role to play in the democratic process. Signing a petition does not mean you are joining in the anger, but is a vehicle/tool to voice publicly your objection to the direction/action that those who were elected to office are taking.
God bless you.
dw

Tim Schindel said...

Hi DW. Thanks for your post. I understand why you might have concluded that by petitions I meant signing them as a means to express your opinion on a matter. I should have communicated better. 'Petitions' is really a play on words. I meant petitions as in 'bring your petitions' or prayers.

Easy to see your point though.

fattyboy said...

Tim;
Great perspective on the role of opposition. We are cheering you and your team on from Saskatchewan.
Rich
Saskatchewan House of Prayer
Government Gate