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COMMENTARY: Let's make P.E.I. 'awesome'

Ask anyone on P.E.I. how they are doing and you will probably hear the same answer: “Not too bad.”

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We say it so often that we barely realize what it means. “Not too bad” is polite, cautious, and sounds a little defeated. It suggests that things could be better or worse, but are just OK. It’s a way of getting through the day without really wanting to talk about it.

Listen for it. You will hear it everywhere. And that attitude is becoming a problem.

“Not too bad” is a shield against reality. There is a growing sense on Prince Edward Island that things are not working very well and that nothing much can be done about it. Now that we are in the unusual situation where we have new leaders for all four provincial political parties, it will be interesting to see who will step up to inspire us. I wish them all well but, frankly, I’m not encouraged.

The last decade has worn everyone down. Hurricanes, a pandemic, rising costs, and constant anxiety about health care have taken their toll. Voter turnout is slipping. Fewer people are willing to run for office, even at the municipal level. Even some of the people in charge look and seem exhausted. This is how places get into trouble. Not all at once. Quietly.

On P.E.I., we pride ourselves on being resilient, which is fair. Islanders have always been tough. But resilience can turn into something else if we are not careful. It can turn into acceptance, or a lack of caring for the broader community. It can lead to lowering........

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