Posted at 7:00 a.m. on August 29, 2025

The cadence of Summer felt muted this year. Between professional demands, international travels, and the bustle of city life, a profound loss occurred: the passing of a cousin at the young age of 32, after a swift battle with cancer.

The Unbreakable Bonds of Family

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His untimely departure served as a stark reminder of the enduring strength within my family, a Haitian clan characterized by an extraordinary closeness, especially in moments of unspeakable grief. This unity offered solace, a vital anchor in a sea of sorrow.

The Weight of Inevitability

Death, an inescapable part of the human experience, often forces a reckoning with one’s faith and deeply held beliefs. It challenges our understanding of the world and our place within it.

Echoes of Past Voices

I recall, as a young person, being captivated by the nightly news broadcasts of Bernard Derome on Radio-Canada. Similarly,Barbara Frum at the CBC held a commanding presence. Their legacies continue through the work of their children like David Frum, who after serving as a speechwriter for President george W. Bush, now provides political commentary on American television and writes frequently for the Atlantic.

A Chronicle of Grief and Reflection

Frum’s incisive analysis of the political landscape is well-known, but it was his deeply personal essay on the death of his daughter, Miranda, from a brain tumor at the same age as my cousin, that resonated most profoundly. The article, published in The Atlantic, offered a raw and honest portrayal of grief.

<a href=Political analyst David FRUM”>
political analyst david FRUM.PHOTO JOSHUA BLANCHARD, ARCHIVES AGENCE FRANCE-PRESSE

Frum wrote of Miranda: “She gave me joy, pride and wisdom that one can only acquire by loving another being more than you love yourself.” These words encapsulate the profound sense of abandonment that accompanies such a loss, a fracturing of faith itself.

The Cycle of News and Loss

The daily news cycle frequently enough follows a predictable pattern: political scandals, record-breaking weather events, and announcements of passing figures. From Ozzy osbourne and Connie Francis to David Gergen and Malcolm-Jamal Warner, the list of those remembered seems endless. And then there’s Jimmy Swaggart.

The Rise and Fall of Televangelism

While not the originator of televangelism,Jimmy swaggart masterfully perfected the practise,building a lucrative empire through televised masses and appeals for donations.By 1987, his ministry generated US$150 million in revenue, fueled by the contributions of devoted viewers. His methods, however, were widely criticized as exploitative and opportunistic.

Politics as Religion?

A striking parallel exists between Swaggart’s charismatic “masses” and the rallies of political campaigns. Both rely on fervent belief and emotional appeals. Politics,in many ways,functions as a modern-day religion,offering a sense of purpose and belonging.

A Crisis of Belief

However, a growing cynicism is eroding faith in political institutions. To believe requires a degree of optimism, a conviction that positive change is possible.Without a shared vision for the future, societies risk fragmentation and disengagement.

The Quest for Unifying Ideas

As candidates prepare for upcoming municipal and provincial elections, they face the challenge of inspiring trust and articulating compelling visions for the future. A recent survey indicated that nearly one-third of Canadians feel politically disenfranchised.

Will candidates be able to offer a sense of collective purpose, to mend the fractured political landscape? What ideas will resonate with voters and restore faith in the democratic process?

The importance of community and genuine human connection, as highlighted by Frum’s reflections on his daughter’s death, may hold the key.Addressing the growing polarization and the feelings of abandonment experienced by many will require fostering a sense of belonging and shared obligation.

Key Figures and Events in Recent Years

Event Date
Death of Jimmy Swaggart July 1, 2025
Angus Reid Institute Survey on Political Orphans September 2024
Publication of David Frum’s essay on miranda May 2024
Montreal municipal Election Participation Rate 2021

Did You Know? Political polarization has been on the rise in many Western democracies over the past decade, fueled by social media and the spread of misinformation.

Pro Tip: Staying informed about local and national issues is one way to counteract feelings of political disengagement.