On October 19th, Canadians will choose who will lead this this country going forward. Assuming there’s a majority, a rather large assumption given current polls, Canadians will have to live with their decision for four years. Irrespective of the choice Canadians make the world will not come to an end the day after the election. The leaders of the three major parties would try to have believe otherwise, but the truth is there is very little truth in politics, and even less so during a campaign.

I was eligible to vote for the first time in 1978, and since then I have never missed the right to exercise my franchise. I never understand when people say, “What’s the point of voting, it’s not going to make any difference”. To me the point is that we have the right to vote, and that never should be taken for granted. To illustrate how precious the right is; take a moment to take stock of the oppression and brutal disregard for basic human rights around the world today. In parts of the world the oppressors will allow access to Facebook, but allowing an election which will determine who the leader of their country will be?  Well, that’s just a notion too far. Technological advancement is a by-product of society’s enlightenment, and nothing contributes to that more than the simple act of marking an X on a ballot. 

I do understand why voter cynicism and apathy exists. We all know, or least came to expect that politicians are less than truthful. They will say whatever is necessary to get a vote. Therefore, many voters to decide who to vote for based on whom they dislike the least. I must confess, that this is exactly the position of found myself in this time around. One party thought a good idea would be a good idea to have leader with zero experience. Said party stole the Obama playbook – redistribution of wealth, blah blah – and would leave you with the impression that everything about this country is in shambles; how intellectually lazy. One of the other party leaders said that if another referendum was held in Quebec, he would honour a 50% plus 1 vote. Yet the Supreme Court of Canada has already ruled on that issue, and the court concluded that formula would not justify breaking a country apart. I like my prime ministers to obey the law and not think they’re above the law; I guess I’m funny that way. Then, you have a party that likes to profess that they believe in a free market economy and business innovation. However, regulatory and bureaucratic arms of the government are constantly being reinforced to negate innovation. In other words, “I’m going to make it difficult for you to be successful, so can I count on your vote?”

In this election you may have to vote while plugging your nose at the same time. I voted this past weekend, advance polls, and I actually contemplated destroying my ballot. But alas, I chose not to. I finally figured out who I disliked the least, and that’s who got my vote. As flawed as that may sound, I vote to honour those who spilled their blood to give me the right to do so. I figure it’s the least I can do.  On October 19th, please vote, and encourage others to do so as well. 

Until next time,

Cheers.