I think it must be tough to be a politician in this time of abject cynicism and distrust. I acknowledge that much of this blog projects a fairly negative view of politicians particularly regarding how they are handling economic development in New Brunswick.
However, in my heart I am a true believer in the power of politics – in the potential of our politicians to face the economic challenges gripping our province and the potential for them to dedicate their careers to making things incrementally better until at some point in the future New Brunswick has a strong and viable economy, is a place where people move to and not away from and where people are truly proud to call this place home.
However, I am not sure that the general media in New Brunswick views the world in a similar light. Consider one of the brighter lights in New Brunswick journalistic circles, Lisa Hrabluk. As I have stated before, she seems to have a fairly good understanding of the issues and writes in a fairly articulate and credible fashion.
However, even Ms. Hrabluk succumbs to the temptation to fuel the attitude to distrust and cynicism among the general public. After many previous articles praising the New Brunswick government’s Prosperity Plan and the economic strategies of the provincial government, in her weekend Telegraph Journal article, she took an about face and became highly critical suggesting that voters are ‘disenchanted’ with the current Premier and that “there is great dissatisfaction with the governing party’s performance.“
Now, politics aside, what’s a devote reader of Ms. Hrabluk to think? Is is a devout apologetic for the provincial government and the Premier as many previous commentaries would lead us to believe or is she against them? She ends her column stating “dare we dream, [is there a] a real choice – sitting on the other side of the aisle.”
All I can say is that it is the perogative of the media and journalists to change their minds at the drop of a hat. To support one day and criticize the next. But I would encourage them to consider the tone they are setting for the people of New Brunswick and their governments.
In my opinion, the media should support any government that is prepared to tackle the systemic economic problems facing our province. Not in a cavalier, propogandist fashion but as a partner in moving both action and attitudes forward. If they feel the current government is not moving in the right direction, then be consistent in the critique. All the flip flopping leads to general confusion and ultimately contributes to the overall sense of apathy.