Citizen Active

David McConkey

The following explores the idea of active citizenship, and appeared first in my Brandon Sun column of the same name.

Some Examples:

• Discussing Taboo Subjects:  We can raise controversial issues like the death penalty, war and peace, and the War on Drugs.  See Death Penalty Debate is Back and Canadians Must Maintain a Higher Standard in War

• Making Some Connections:  Important issues are being raised in recent current events, new books, and in public forums.  Youth May Soon Lead Change

• Conversing During Elections:  We can point out that the politicians are avoiding the contentious issues. Real Discussions on Tax and Crime are Being Avoided

• Proposing New Platforms:  We can challenge our politicians to address long-term perspectives.  Issues for the Next Election?

• Making Humorous Observations:  Who says everything has to be serious?  Don’t worry, be happy. Be a Harper voter!

• Reading Some Books:  Great food for thought in new books.  A More Thoughtful Approach to Racial Issues is Required

• Looking At Religion:  Here's a topic that's becoming more important and controversial all the time.  Book Looks at Islamic World and Gay, Good or God?

• Voting For Sure:  Voting is an important action we can take.  Vote Early, Vote Often, and Vary Your Vote

• Drawing Some Inspiration:  Barack Obama is engaging us in a new level of discourse about citizenship.  Citizenship Redefined

• Learning From History:  Our understanding of today's challenges is enriched by fresh perspectives on the past.  New Book on Louis Riel Leaves Much to Ponder

The Complete List:

Don’t worry, be happy. Be a Harper voter!   Brandon Sun, August 24, 2015

Things to Keep in Mind on 4/20   Brandon Sun, April 20, 2015

Remember Lesson of History on International Women's Day   Brandon Sun, March 2, 2105

Should We Bring Back Hanging?   Brandon Sun, February 2, 2015

Retired Brandon Judge Speaks Out   Brandon Sun, December 22, 2014

War on Drugs: A Failed Experiment   Brandon Sun, December 8, 2014

This Changes Everything   Brandon Sun, November 24, 2014

How Do We Remember War?   Brandon Sun, November 10, 2014

ISIS: Do We Stand on the Sidelines?  Brandon Sun, October 6, 2014

ISIS and the Terrifying Power of Bad Ideas   Brandon Sun, September 22, 2014

Francis Marion Beynon: Compelling Story of a Manitoba Suffragist, Pacifist   Brandon Sun, April 28, 2014

Book Provides Intriguing, Scientific Glimpse into State of Religious Beliefs    Brandon Sun, March 3, 2014

Byelection Reflections   Brandon Sun, December 2, 2013

The Marijuana Byelection?   Brandon Sun, November 18, 2013

Byelection is about us, the citizens, so get out and vote   Brandon Sun, October 28, 2013

What Went Wrong with the Right?   Brandon Sun, July 29, 2013

Gay, Good or God?   Brandon Sun, May 6, 2013

Empathy Key to Preventing Bullying   Brandon Sun, April 8, 2013

Churches in the News   Brandon Sun, March 11, 2013

Limits to Growth in a Finite World   Brandon Sun, February 4, 2013

More Emphasis on Domestic Violence Prevention is Crucial   Brandon Sun, November 12, 2012

Celebrating Co-operatives   Brandon Sun, October 15, 2012

Religion and Values in the Public Square   Brandon Sun, June 4, 2012

Ready for a Mormon President?   Brandon Sun, April 30, 2012

U.S. Will Collapse Like Greece, Bestselling Author Predicts   Brandon Sun, March 5, 2012

War and Remembrance  Brandon Sun, November 7, 2011

Real Discussions on Tax and Crime are Being Avoided   Brandon Sun, September 26, 2011

Issues for the Next Election?   Brandon Sun, May 22, 2011

Is it an Election About Nothing?   Brandon Sun, April 24, 2011

Stephen Harper is the New Pierre Trudeau   Brandon Sun, April 10, 2011

Death Penalty Debate is Back   Brandon Sun, March 27, 2011

Youth May Soon Lead Change   Brandon Sun, February 27, 2011

New Book on Louis Riel Leaves Much to Ponder   Brandon Sun, February 13, 2011

The Greatest Show on Earth   Brandon Sun, January 30, 2011

Book Looks at Islamic World   Brandon Sun, November 7, 2010

Maybe a Little Fox News Would Liven Things Up   Brandon Sun, October 24, 2010

A More Thoughtful Approach to Racial Issues is Required   Brandon Sun, September 13, 2010

Canadian Author Wonders What Harper is Reading   Brandon Sun, July 3, 2010

Rights and Religions   Brandon Sun, March 13, 2010

Canadians Must Maintain a Higher Standard in War   Brandon Sun, February 13, 2010

Harmonized Sales Tax Deserves a Closer Look in Manitoba   Brandon Sun, January 16, 2010

Evolution Debate Important   Brandon Sun, December 29, 2009

The Evolving Nature of Belief   Brandon Sun, November 14, 2009

Community Memorials a Link to the Great War   Brandon Sun, October 17, 2009

Prime Minister Obama?   Brandon Sun, August 22, 2009

Was the GM Bailout the Best Move for All Canadians?   Brandon Sun, June 27, 2009

Role of Religion in War and Peace   Brandon Sun, May 30, 2009

Lessons in Success   Brandon Sun, May 2, 2009

We Can Forge a New Drug Policy   Brandon Sun, April 4, 2009

Remembering Nellie McClung   Brandon Sun, March 7, 2009

Can’t We Do Better Than This Same Old Political Routine?    Brandon Sun, February 21, 2009

Citizenship Redefined   Brandon Sun, February 7, 2009

Drug, Alcohol Policies Reveal Our Hypocrisy   Brandon Sun, January 10, 2009

Vote Early, Vote Often, and Vary Your Vote   Brandon Sun, October 4, 2008

Campaigns of Contrast   Brandon Sun, September 20, 2008

Donation Laws Give Citizens More Clout   Brandon Sun, August 23, 2008

Future of Politics on Display   Brandon Sun, January 12, 2008

Perception and Reality of Crime Not Always the Same   Brandon Sun, November 17, 2007

Our Citizenship, Paid For By Our Taxes   Brandon Sun, August 26, 2007

What's Black and White, But Not Read All Over?   Brandon Sun, July 30, 2006

Exercising Our Rights . . . and Responsibilities   Brandon Sun, February 23, 2006