So we've established that this smell is not from a pig farm. And we've also established that any stinky business is unnecessary. But it seems inevitable. And unfortunately, it's going to get worse.
It's also inevitable that the political hopefuls or returnees will come to your door. Out of the goodness of my heart, I have come up with some helpful hints for you when talking to them:
1. Be civil. If you are very opposed to his or her policies, that's your call. But acting like a moron because of that disagreement is wrong. Not only is it not proper, and it implicates those in your camp as being equally equally guilty of imbecility, and besmirches the movement as a whole.
If we act by them, we could all be lumped in with that behaviour, and that's not fair. We see this already with those who reject the notion of, say, climate change, abortion, and other very touchy, personal matters. Someone sounds off about their view of these matters, but as right as they might be, they're wrong in how they go about it.
2. Be coherent. This means to be marked by critical thinking and clarity of speech. There is no place for f-bombs, inarticulateness (with an over-abundance of "you know," "like," "huh," as examples), and an overall inability to express oneself clearly.
As you will have a position on some issue, such as gun control, lay it out reasonably, so as to show why every citizen should be armed and responsible. Or if you have some common sense traditional views, based on finances, history, logic, and biology, speak them...well.
3. Be cogent. This is almost the same as #2, but it is a little different. You want to think through your concerns and expresses them well. You have concerns, but you're not trying to defend them—that's where it's a little different.
You simply want to see where Politician A or B stands on certain issues. As a voting citizen, you have every right to know. And he or she has a responsibility to tell you—and more so if he or she gets elected. If they are not clear, get them to work at it again.
A few issues come to my mind, so I will pass them along to you, just in case nothing comes to your mind. These are three of many that I have, and I will develop more for you beyond them. The following may or may not be provincial matters, but it wouldn't hurt to bring them up in a civil, coherent, and now cogent manner.
a. what is their position on parental rights? This is a very big one, and a paragraph or two is embarrassingly inadequate. This involves the rearing of children, their education and protection; it covers vaccinations, and a host of evidences of the state taking over essential family responsibilities.
b. what is their position on electoral recall? I have a feeling you'll be seeing this more and more in this election. I am hearing all sorts of concerns about the complete lack of accountability these days. If Politician A or B is not doing his/her job well, or even not doing anything at all, they are a detriment to the honour and privilege their elected office. There needs to be a means for recall, and the sooner the better.
c. what is their position on climate change? There has been a shift in semantics,from "global warming" to "climate change" in these last few months., to say nothing of a shift in logic and focus. "Why the change?" you may want to ask them. Ask them about the historical and scientific evidences against climate change. bThen while they are on the ropes about this one, talk about the financial mess that climate change is creating, and the lack of justification for making these massive, economic shifts and the ramifications to humans.
On that note, your list may include other matters close to your heart. That's good. My list includes a few of the many that are close to my heart.
If they are still in one piece after your pleasant grilling, good on them. If they are not, I hope it wasn't because you weren't civil, coherent, or cogent. This election is bound to be one of most significant elections in decades.
And when it comes time to vote, do it with your eyes open and your nose plugged.
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