Did you ever see a dog chasing a car and wonder what the dog would do if it was able to catch the car? Sometimes those who seek change in the political arena are like that dog-they enjoy the challenge of engaging in debate or of confronting media and government, but they never expect to actually have an impact or to see that their ideas are taken seriously. We often see opposition parties who have adopted a constant attack mode as if they do not believe the government capable of making a single good decision.

We shouldn't be like that. At least once in a while, the elusive car we're after will put on its brakes and screech to a halt. Then we'll have to step forward in a calm, dignified, orderly manner and respond appropriately. We ought to expect our good common-sense ideas to be taken seriously. We ought to expect intelligent elected representatives to listen to their constituents. We ought to expect that the pursuit of high ideals and worthwhile projects should result in positive change.

We had such a case the other day. The federal government, in the Throne Speech, indicated that they were going to change the national anthem to make it politically correct. Alarm bells went off-for us and many other socially conservative Canadians-as concerns for the loss of the cultural and moral values that helped to shape our nation were voiced. What changes exactly were being proposed? Why? And by whom? What other changes were being contemplated? Bloggers hit the keypads; polls and Facebook groups were launched. Within three days, public announcements were made that the proposal to change the national anthem was being dropped. The car had stopped.

We ought to be thankful and we ought to express this to the Prime Minister. Thankfully, this is one example of politicians listening. We don't know the motives for the proposed change but we know why the proposal was dropped: lack of public support, vocal opposition, and a determined and energetic response by bloggers, media and citizens.

This is a lesson we should not soon forget-because we have other issues at stake more serious than our anthem. 100,000 babies continue to die in Canada each year with no law to protect them. Destructive sexual lifestyles are being promoted in our public schools. Governments are spending taxpayers' dollars at unprecedented and unsustainable levels.

We need to challenge these travesties with the same vigour and determination as a dog displays when chasing a car. What if the car speeding recklessly through our neighbourhood suddenly stops? We should not act surprised. We should be prepared to step forward with sound, workable policies, with gracious words of reconciliation and with creative solutions to the complex challenges that face lawmakers today. After all, our purpose is not simply to joust with those with whom we disagree. We're here to help them make good choices for the future of Canada. Let's be ready.

Better solutions begin here.