Editor:
Went to political meeting the other night and listened to the candidate and some very good issues were discussed. At the end of the meeting we were encouraged to help others see the need to vote. Apparently we get a 40ish% turnout, not good for a country as great as Canada. We live in one of the best if not the best country in the world, and I firmly believe that working together we can make it better.
The first step each of us can take is to vote; as we were reminded the other night people in other countries are dying (literally) to get the right to vote. I know there are many reasons we can come up with not to vote and I have heard many. I would like to speak to some of those.
1. My vote does not count: not true Ujjal Dosanjh won his seat by 20 votes in a much more populated riding. We all count.
2. I do not know the issues: well with the internet today there is no reason we all could not learn the issues, challenge yourself and your friends to learn the issues. Then decide what is most important to you and vote accordingly. Not only do you learn more about what makes Canada a country, learning is good for your health!
3. Why bother, we’ll soon have another election anyway: I agree numerous unnecessary elections are bad for our country and economy. Four in seven years, sheesh! Precious resources that could be used to better are country are used for campaigning and other political needs (i.e. pomp and splendor that goes with installing a new government). As well as the wasted time that could have been used to resolve important issues.
4. Waste of my time, they do not listen anyways and spend our money foolishly: while this may be true (ok is true) it will never change if Canadians as a whole do not stand up for ourselves. The squeaky wheel gets the grease, too bad the squeaky wheel is usually the minority. The ?silent majority? continues to suffer is silence, I think it is time to change that.
5. I do not know who to vote for: see number two. We all can learn about the candidates and what they stand for even if we do not have time to go to meetings. Again the internet or your friends, discuss the issues make the election real for you and your family. Believe in our country and help make it better.
There are many more reasons and I can?t of course make this too long, or they won?t print it! All I can say is make the effort, you have the right use it, have your say. You may even find you like what you learn and decide to become more involved. You do not have to agree with everything a candidate says or the government does, I sure don?t, BUT if we do not do anything we can hardly blame the ?government? for doing the wrong thing. If you are not part of the solution, you are part of the problem, even if by omission.
Take pride in our country and our system and have your say. I am not going to address any issues other than the basic voting issue. You will not all agree my position any way and I do not want to take away from what I am trying to get across, and that is again: VOTE
Thank you for listening.
Cathy Stanton
Smithers, B.C.