10th Issue Mayor’s Memo

by Mayor Sean Denison

This year, I turn 50. I have found that the older I get, the more I appreciate freedom. Freedom to believe what you want, say what you want, do what you want. We are all entitled to our own opinions, and our own beliefs. Because we live in this great country, everyone has the right to voice their own opinion. I appreciate that. It does become a problem for me personally however, when someone expresses their opinion, and then tries to put others in a bad light because we don’t share the same ideas. 

The 24-hour news and social media circuit has created a society where people can easily criticize others, without fear or hesitation – and without ever leaving home. It has also made people believe that it is somehow their duty to let everyone know their opinion.

Here are my thoughts on that:

1. 9 out of 10 people don’t care about your opinion and the other one is lying to you.
2. If you see that a large number of people enjoy something, but you don’t – leave it alone.  Don’t participate in it, don’t watch it or support it – but don’t criticize others for enjoying it.
3. We don’t need to create drama over every issue. Let’s save our energy for issues that require fighting, like real social injustices, child abuse and things of that nature.

Living free requires us to allow others to have their freedom as well, whether we agree with them or not.