There was once a quiet dignity that wrapped around the shoulders of those who stood to represent us—a gentle mantle of respect woven from duty, service, and mutual courtesy.

Today, that mantle has frayed, tattered by the sharp edges of disrespectful conduct in our chambers and election campaigns. This is not merely unbecoming; it has cast a long shadow, fostering an atmosphere so toxic that the brave-hearted are hesitant to step forward into the arena of public service.

The spectacle in our chambers of government, once spaces for thoughtful debate, has descended into arenas of confrontation. Sharp tongues and bitter exchanges eclipse rational discourse, leaving behind little more than echoes of outrage and insult. The constant cycle of negative campaigning has trained us to see opponents not merely as adversaries but as enemies, dehumanizing those who serve and stripping away the public's trust.

But this erosion of respect is not confined to the walls of our parliaments and councils. It spills outward, infecting public perception and fuelling hostility among citizens. Increasingly, our elected representatives report verbal abuse, threats, and even physical intimidation. The ripple effect is profound: potential community leaders, the very lifeblood of our democracy, are deterred from serving, unwilling to place themselves or their families in harm’s way.

The connection is undeniable. If elected members do not model civility, how can we expect the public to treat them with dignity? When campaigns reduce complex people to simplistic caricatures, is it any wonder our society begins to reflect this diminished standard?

The road back is challenging but clear. It begins with acknowledging our collective responsibility. Respect is both a seed and a harvest: we must plant it in our own conduct and demand it from those we elect. We must support leaders who choose collaboration over confrontation and who recognize the true strength of respectful discourse.

Let us stitch the mantle of respect back together, reclaiming civility and ensuring that the path to public service remains open and inviting to the next generation of community leaders. For only when our elected representatives and the public restore mutual respect will democracy thrive again.