If you go to this episode's post on SubStack, in the top right above the episode description there is a button that says "Transcript" which opens it up for you!
I will edit the transcript and make it a written article... thank you for your feedback and support!! I have been thinking of creating a written article out of the transcripts for awhile.
Sadly, too many politicians these days forget that their job is to SERVE the public, and that must include talking to and listening to their constituents.
As I listened to your podcast today, March 6, 2025, I found myself engaging in a conversation with the walls about the concept of 'listening.' What we really desire are leaders who authentically 'hear' the concerns behind the questions posed, regardless of how they are worded or who is asking. It would be refreshing to see them take the time during a press scrum to delve into a deeper understanding of what 'hearing' truly means—something that mere 'listening' often misses and can come off as superficial.
For instance, rather than simply declaring, "We are listening," which can feel like a stall tactic, it would hold more weight if a politician said, "I recognize the concern expressed in your question." They might even express that concern and invite a one-on-one conversation—though I understand the logistics would be challenging, even with the convenience of Zoom. I often wonder why they don’t invite the public to a zoom call. I suspect it’s because they can’t edit their responses and might say something that doesn’t align with their colleagues.
A more effective way for them to demonstrate that they truly 'hear' us would be to acknowledge the sincere concerns raised and then show understanding by rephrasing the inquiry to address the real issues impacting Canadians. This means moving beyond simply repeating the question, to articulating the deeper public sentiment that prompted it, recognizing the fundamental truths that resonate around dinner tables across the country.
Here, I’m referring to their choice of language. While they often use phrases about addressing the nation’s concerns, those prepared remarks aren’t what I’m talking about here. It was just a passing thought I expressed to the wall about the difference between listening and truly hearing.
Mr. Kelly; I can't help but feel a deep appreciation for your commitment to keeping your audience informed, much like Hamilton’s beloved Lincoln who embraced peaceful connecting ideals that brought unity to Parliament. You unify Hamiltonians and beyond with your authentic ‘voice’.
I remember a time when someone phoned Lincoln in the middle of the night, slightly inebriated, making some sort of accusation. He said very little; he was simply 'listening.' After the call, I asked him why people still had access to his phone number and thought it was okay to call at 3:00 AM. Without missing a beat, he schooled me with his response: "I’m here to serve, not to be an obstacle."
In that moment, I truly 'heard' him, and it serves as a reminder of the kind of leaders we need—those who genuinely connect with the concerns of the people.
First of all, thank you for taking the time to write; it's good to hear from you,
Your observations about the current state of politics and politicians is insightful and , sadly, all too true !
Politicians these days are more concerned with 'parroting' the talking points given to them from their Party PR department.
Many of them seem to want little to no interaction with their constituents, except of course, at election time when they want our votes.
During my time in politics and even as a talk show host for many years, I was always guided by the advice and the example from your late husband.
As you know, I first met Linc while I was in college and I was immediately impressed with his honesty and integrity.
He never gave pre-concocted answers to citizen's questions, and , as you know, when he talked to anyone, his full attention was given to that individual and to what they were saying.
Anyone who met Linc always came away feeling that he actually took the time to respectfully listen and respond to that individual.
One of the reasons people feel so disconnected to politics these days is that their elected representatives often don't 'listen'.
We'd all be better off and have much more confidence in our political systems if more politicians emulated the example that Linc displayed .
You've really captured the shift in how politics has changed over the years. Think about figures like Lincoln and Bob Rae—they showed us that it’s possible to have respect and civility even when we disagree. Nowadays, it feels like that’s often missing, making it hard to have the kind of meaningful conversations we need. I completely agree that respect is key; without it, we struggle to connect or work together. If we could bring back that sense of respect in politics, it could really help us find common ground and create a healthier dialogue, reminding us of our shared humanity despite our differences. Respect being something you have to have in order to get results in you reap what you sow.
Good luck in all of this BILL my hope is that being calm and carrying on without the additional hysterics will help us live another day .
Do you have the transcript of the podcast. Prefer to read it.
If you go to this episode's post on SubStack, in the top right above the episode description there is a button that says "Transcript" which opens it up for you!
I will edit the transcript and make it a written article... thank you for your feedback and support!! I have been thinking of creating a written article out of the transcripts for awhile.
Thank you so much.
Bill you mentioned ask questions, this past election and could be as seems to be a pattern Conservatives do not show up.
How opposite to what we expect. I can hear my late husband when he said “To make a difference you must ‘Wake up. Get up and show up.”
Hi Lindsay..
Thanks for the comment.
Sadly, too many politicians these days forget that their job is to SERVE the public, and that must include talking to and listening to their constituents.
Let’s hope they don’t show up for PP or Canada is doomed… Did you have a question? I’d love to answer!
Good morning Mr. Kelly;
As I listened to your podcast today, March 6, 2025, I found myself engaging in a conversation with the walls about the concept of 'listening.' What we really desire are leaders who authentically 'hear' the concerns behind the questions posed, regardless of how they are worded or who is asking. It would be refreshing to see them take the time during a press scrum to delve into a deeper understanding of what 'hearing' truly means—something that mere 'listening' often misses and can come off as superficial.
For instance, rather than simply declaring, "We are listening," which can feel like a stall tactic, it would hold more weight if a politician said, "I recognize the concern expressed in your question." They might even express that concern and invite a one-on-one conversation—though I understand the logistics would be challenging, even with the convenience of Zoom. I often wonder why they don’t invite the public to a zoom call. I suspect it’s because they can’t edit their responses and might say something that doesn’t align with their colleagues.
A more effective way for them to demonstrate that they truly 'hear' us would be to acknowledge the sincere concerns raised and then show understanding by rephrasing the inquiry to address the real issues impacting Canadians. This means moving beyond simply repeating the question, to articulating the deeper public sentiment that prompted it, recognizing the fundamental truths that resonate around dinner tables across the country.
Here, I’m referring to their choice of language. While they often use phrases about addressing the nation’s concerns, those prepared remarks aren’t what I’m talking about here. It was just a passing thought I expressed to the wall about the difference between listening and truly hearing.
Mr. Kelly; I can't help but feel a deep appreciation for your commitment to keeping your audience informed, much like Hamilton’s beloved Lincoln who embraced peaceful connecting ideals that brought unity to Parliament. You unify Hamiltonians and beyond with your authentic ‘voice’.
I remember a time when someone phoned Lincoln in the middle of the night, slightly inebriated, making some sort of accusation. He said very little; he was simply 'listening.' After the call, I asked him why people still had access to his phone number and thought it was okay to call at 3:00 AM. Without missing a beat, he schooled me with his response: "I’m here to serve, not to be an obstacle."
In that moment, I truly 'heard' him, and it serves as a reminder of the kind of leaders we need—those who genuinely connect with the concerns of the people.
Warm regards,
(Mrs.) Marni Alexander
Hi Marni
First of all, thank you for taking the time to write; it's good to hear from you,
Your observations about the current state of politics and politicians is insightful and , sadly, all too true !
Politicians these days are more concerned with 'parroting' the talking points given to them from their Party PR department.
Many of them seem to want little to no interaction with their constituents, except of course, at election time when they want our votes.
During my time in politics and even as a talk show host for many years, I was always guided by the advice and the example from your late husband.
As you know, I first met Linc while I was in college and I was immediately impressed with his honesty and integrity.
He never gave pre-concocted answers to citizen's questions, and , as you know, when he talked to anyone, his full attention was given to that individual and to what they were saying.
Anyone who met Linc always came away feeling that he actually took the time to respectfully listen and respond to that individual.
One of the reasons people feel so disconnected to politics these days is that their elected representatives often don't 'listen'.
We'd all be better off and have much more confidence in our political systems if more politicians emulated the example that Linc displayed .
Again, thanks for your input Marni.
Take care
BK
You've really captured the shift in how politics has changed over the years. Think about figures like Lincoln and Bob Rae—they showed us that it’s possible to have respect and civility even when we disagree. Nowadays, it feels like that’s often missing, making it hard to have the kind of meaningful conversations we need. I completely agree that respect is key; without it, we struggle to connect or work together. If we could bring back that sense of respect in politics, it could really help us find common ground and create a healthier dialogue, reminding us of our shared humanity despite our differences. Respect being something you have to have in order to get results in you reap what you sow.
Good luck in all of this BILL my hope is that being calm and carrying on without the additional hysterics will help us live another day .