Ah, we can be a peculiar nation sometimes, can't we? We are nice. But...

Where else but in Canada would failure be rewarded, as when the Canadian Football League awards one point for a missed field goal?

The CFL can produce terrific games with often fantastic finishes. Why would they allow a failed play to score a point?

Sheesh. Like giving kids 'Participation Trophies'.

And where else would 'being nice' get confused with 'good enough'? Sure, being polite is nice and our mothers would be proud, but are we too nice? In business, for example, are Canadians too often tempted to think small rather than LARGE? To compete just in Canada rather than seek international markets? To not innovate and take risks?

Certainly, our artists, performers, writers and creators know how difficult it is to make it on a global stage. When one does, from Shania Twain to Celine Dion, it makes us all proud. They have broken out of the limitations and barriers set by Canada's arts and cultural establishment. Hurrah.

And there is no question we shared pride and excitement at the performance of our Olympic team, and are once again as the Paralympians take centre stage in Paris.

Which leads us, circuitously, into the political arena. "Being nice" does not seem to resonate much in our various legislative chambers these days. The public is aware of this and is not happy.

A recent on-line poll (which inherently brings some limitations) by Abacus Data for the Toronto Star, indicated that 41% of those surveyed were not satisfied with the way democracy works. More than 2/3 felt that "government does not care what people like me think."

The political discourse on social media is most certainly not nice. Not by any definition. And that is troubling more people, including elected officials. The atmosphere in politics is considered poisonous by many. That leads to people losing interest in politics. Some good people refuse to enter the political arena because of the meat-grinder that politics has become.

Many voters are dissatisfied with the way discussions and debates are held. There is concern if they will vote in upcoming elections.

All orders of government are feeling this. Disputes and disagreements in council chambers are spilling into court cases and Integrity commission investigations with alarming frequency. Mid-term resignations by disillusioned elected officials, once a rarity, are now commonplace.

It is a strange time in Canadian politics. The federal political arena is abuzz with rumors and speculation about the next election and who will run. Various premiers are said to be considering pulling the plug early on their mandate and going to the people. And local governments continue to struggle under the pressures of affordable housing and not enough money.

The rising rhetoric results in a rough and roiled rotten rumble.

As Labour Day passes and the fall season begins, our level of niceness will be tested in the political arena—and perhaps on the gridiron as well, as another kick sails wide right.