Mark Carney keeps telling us we live in a “dangerous and divided world” without acknowledging how we got here. Because if he did, fingers would be pointing right back at him. Leading the Bank of Canada under Harper. Leading the Bank of England. Advising Trudeau. Working in the very circles that helped shape the world he is now warning us about. You would think there would be a little humility. Perhaps even some embarrassment before asking citizens to trust him with more power. If these “leaders” are so capable, why do their warnings keep getting darker while our lives get harder? Where are the results of all this supposed expertise? We are told to trust their leadership, yet somehow never to question where it has brought us. I have come to the harsh conclusion that we keep expecting better outcomes from people whose priority is protecting their own positions and interests. Helping citizens become strong, free and prosperous is clearly not the priority. Instead, we are left paying more for public services that fail to serve the public, while those responsible expect our trust and treat us as the problem when we question their failures. So what can you do in this “dangerous and divided world”? Stop assuming the government will take care of you. Judge its competence by its record, not its promises. Take care of yourself, your family and your community. Ask questions. Think independently. Do not hand over your judgment simply because someone in power tells you to be afraid. Look around and ask yourself. Are our streets safer? Are hospital waits shorter? Are classrooms less crowded? Is housing more affordable? Are groceries cheaper? Are you keeping more of what you earn? Are repeat violent offenders being kept off our streets? Is public money being spent responsibly? Are those in power answering your questions or dismissing you for asking? Then ask yourself whether you want more of the same and why those failing us every day should be trusted with even more power.