Editor,
As tax paying small-business owners and residents in Surrey, we must finally admit what our actions—and inactions—make painfully clear: we are the architects of our own misfortune. We nod along as politicians sell us overpriced “job creation” schemes, trading long-term stability for a momentary high, and somehow convince ourselves it’s progress. We cheer as public funds are poured into vanity projects, all while ignoring the mounting evidence that these are little more than expensive distractions.
Let’s be honest: we’ve sailed past the point of “do or die.” The opportunities we once had are now just specks in the rearview mirror. Our economy is in real trouble, and even if Prime Minister Carney arrived with a magic wand, it’s doubtful he could undo the damage we’ve allowed to accumulate.
Yet, we continue to play our part in this farce. Our leaders dangle grandiose projects before us—not out of stewardship, but to win our votes. We applaud, as if building one giant stadium or several smaller ones will somehow fix unemployment, government debt, or the weakening dollar. We debate the colour of the drapes while the house is on fire.
Let’s face it: we are all passengers on a ship of fools. The band plays, the deck floods, and we clap along, willfully blind to the fact that we are sinking. If there is any wisdom left among us, it’s the realization that we have been complicit in our own undoing.
On behalf of the members of The Ship of Fools,
Hank Leis, Surrey
