I saw one of Peterborough's "No More MP Ferreri" signs today. I was surprised; it bothered me. After some thought why it bothered me, I felt that the sign was unkind and was hypocritical by the maker and displayer. The sign was created by John Bruce of Peterborough supporting NDP, Green and Liberal parties over conservatives. I have no problem with individual election signs, but to display "No More MP Ferreri" sign is on the same page as the "F*&% Trudeau" signs. It shows a lack of class.
The display of such disparaging signs regarding political figures, regardless of party affiliation, demonstrates a concerning lack of civility and respect in political discourse. While individuals are entitled to their opinions, the public exhibition of inflammatory rhetoric can further polarize the electorate and undermine the democratic process. A more constructive approach would be to engage in thoughtful, nuanced discussions that address substantive policy issues rather than resorting to personal attacks, as I felt those signs were.
Say what you want about Michelle Ferreri, but she works. When she is not in Ottawa, she is out at many Peterborough events and you see her. Just open the Peterborough Examiner, and you can read it for yourself. You can not deny that Michelle is always out and about in the community. If Michelle is being seen, it is only fair to reason that she is hearing from the people. Is that not what you want from your representative, Conservative, Liberal, NDP or Green?
Then you read in the Peterborough Examiner about a city woman, Mary Reynolds, who carried a "No More MP Ferreri" sign in protest against Michelle Ferreri for International Woman's Day. Is Michelle Ferreri not a woman? If you Google "what is International Womans Day" this is the definition I got: International Women's Day, celebrated annually on March 8th, is a global day dedicated to recognizing and celebrating the social, economic, cultural, and political achievements of women and girls, while also serving as a call to action for accelerating gender equality. So was holding a "No More MP Ferreri" hypocritical? I believe so. Mary Reynolds owes Michelle Ferreri an apology. International Women's Day is for all women, not just those with Mary Reynolds's beliefs. This was not the day to use the divisive "No More MP Ferreri" sign to protest.
We all have our beliefs and vote and support who best represents us. You sticking a divisive sign on your yard is doing precisely what you say you are against. Support your representative and party choice, but pushing a sign like "No More MP Ferreri" makes you a hypocrite. We should have respectful political discourse and disagree without resorting to divisive rhetoric or personal attacks, as I feel this sign is to Michelle Ferreri.
Promoting unity and understanding, even across party lines, is the best way to move our community and country forward. Rather than widening the divide, we should focus on the shared values and common ground that unite us as Peterborough residents and Canadians. Constructive dialogue, not inflammatory signs, is the path to progress.
"No More MP Ferreri" seems like something Donald Trump would say. Just like when Donald Trump calls Christine Freeland a "nasty" woman. It is just wrong.
Be better.
Brad Sinclair
