Author: Ron Baker

I’ve just finished Paul Chamberlain’s book “Talking about Good and Bad without getting Ugly.”

In our current society we are discouraged from embarking on moral persuasion.  Everyone is said to have their own morals and none is better than the other. 

Chamberlain disputes that approach and with the use of dialogue, examples and logic puts together a good case for seeing a culture change morally and socially.  He uses William Wilberforce as an example of a man of humour, of influence and of conviction who made a difference in his world.

“Incremental strategy” is the approach Chamberlain takes for changing society’s views.  While you can’t change the slow moving ship of culture overnight, at least get on board where some positive movement can be capitalized upon.  Sounds like a strategy politicians need to consider.

I kind of wonder if Steven Harper hasn’t read this book!

We were told (by a reputable source!) that the community carol festival started 34  years ago.  Another reputable source disputed the date – “longer ago than that!”

25 years ago was our last time at the festival.  The building was the same – the United Church in town.  The people have aged together — with some new additions. 

The program was 2 1/2 hours long – probably pushing the limits of centered concentration.  The music was good — for a community this size there are vocal talents galore.

I sang with a quartet.  I guess my voice carried well.  Via the post office, via the school office, via . . . the word is out that the Alliance Pastor can sing (my wife would add “loud”)!

 I love a town this size. 

I’m always amazed how swift the grapevine diffuses a message.   People tell people who tell people.  Sometimes you know who, other times you guess who, and other times best not to know who! 

I’m one who believes in communicating with others.  I recognize that the grapevine will always be one of the major contributors. 

Oh, and about that grapevine!  Don’t get in a flap — tap the sap — and let the message go!