Real debate lacking

Vibrant debate is one cornerstone of a vibrant community—whether it’s on an important matter like “outshopping” or something more innocuous like the logo at centre ice at the Ice for Kids Arena.
A frank exchange of views is crucial to helping find solutions to an issue or, at the very least, to brainstorm ideas on how to make our community a better place to live.
That debate becomes little more than coffee shop chatter or armchair whining, however, when so few people are willing to attach their name to their opinion or suggestion. It’s easy to sound off on this or that when you’re safely ensconced in the shroud of anonymity—and quite another if fellow residents know who is behind the comments.
Doug Jensen stoked the long-simmering debate over “outshopping” last week with his letter to the editor suggesting local businesses need to “reinvent” themselves in order to keep customers’ dollars in town. His thoughts made him the target of scorn by some, but at least he was brave enough to offer his two cents’ worth openly, not hiding in the shadows.
It’s a different story for many others. You know, the ones who ridicule the Fort Frances Chamber of Commerce’s new campaign, “Keep Your Town in Business. Keep Your Business in Town,” or mock the “Great Canadian Main Street” initiative spearheaded by local BIA members, but offer no concrete alternatives themselves.
Those who bemoan the direction of our town, but don’t attend strategic planning sessions or run for public office, or those who berate municipal spending but never show up for a budget meeting.
Fort Frances is home to lots of people with an opinion—but sadly far too few who have the courage to stand up for their convictions for all to see. That must change to transform mere complaining into real debate.