I gotta say, some of you have really thought hard about who you are going to vote for. GOOD FOR YOU (no sarcasm intended). I've spoken to too many people who vote solely based on who they've voted for in the past ("I was born liberal and I'll die liberal!") or polls ("Well since the conservatives are up, I'll just help them guarantee their victory!") or based on the viewpoint of some guy/girl on tv who clearly has his own party preference ("Charles Adler seems like a good guy so I'll vote for whomever he votes for").
I wonder how many voters actually take the time to research the parties' platforms? How many voters read more than just one newspaper for their information? I'll bet it's a very low percentage.
While voting is the right of every Canadian, it should be viewed more as a privilege. Don't vote just because you can, vote because you care about your country and how you feel you and your family should be treated. Just because the Green Party has a slim chance of winning this time, if you like what they offer then VOTE FOR THEM! If you're involved in big business, vote for the party whom you feel will benefit you best. If you're an artist, vote accordingly. That's what democracy is – many varied voices trying to be heard screaming for attention all at once. There are times when I find it insanely frustrating and others when I feel truly proud to be part of the democratic process.
Corruption is an unfortunate given in government. Even though it's a quote from Spiderman, the adage "With Great Power Comes Great Responsibility" is no less true. Human beings are imperfect creatures and most of them (myself included) just can't handle the responsibility that public office entails.
I could go on and on, but I just want to reiterate my main point: Be a responsible voter. Take the time to learn all that you can so that you can make the best decision for you. Don’t be one of those ignorant persons who vote solely based on one point (“I love my guns! That’s all I need to hear”) or a skewed vision of the world (“I would only vote conservative in this election but I can't because there's a middle easterner running”) or because someone tells you to vote a certain way (“Liberals are corrupt, you shouldn’t vote for them”/”Conservatives have a redneck mentality, you shouldn’t vote for them”).
Forget about voting for left, middle, or right…. VOTE FORWARD!
P.S. The quotes I used above are those I’ve actually heard people say, with exception to the gun quote which I heard from a comedy CD. While it’s meant more for humor I’ve heard several people mention the same thing, just using different language.
P.P.S. I wish I knew who Lynn was, 'cuz her comments are seriously turning me on. I like a woman who has both a strong, intelligent viewpoint as well as the means to communicate it effectively. Lynn, will you be my girlfriend (and I don't mean GFE!)?
P.P.P.S. I think Choron might be Bill O'Reilly.
