Proud to be a Canadian?

Today, the minority Conservative government proved that political opportunism in the attempt to gain a majority government did nothing but waste $300 million of Canadians' money. After all is said and done, we are left with another minority Conservative government, hardly a scratch beyond what Stephen Harper and his cronies did in 2006 -- shamefully after criticizing the Liberal Party for frivolously calling more elections than necessary without fixed election dates and lobbying the change Canada's Elections Act to have fixed 4-year election dates. Hardly 2 years from their last "victory" of a minority government, Harper called the 4th Canadian election in the last 6 years -- a time lapse which would normally have been witness to just ONE election. Beyond that, voter turnout was 57% this year, which is all-time low, surpassing 60.4% in 2004. Granted, I tend to share Matt's sentiments that not voting at all is completely irresponsible, however, I can't help but feel that Canadians have been made to feel like voting in an election is a waste of time -- I disagree with that, but the results of this election prove that this particular effort was indeed a waste of time, and most importantly (sorry if I'm spouting out this number again) $300 MILLION FUCKING DOLLARS which could have easily been used for housing, food, shelter, drug treatment, health care, and other basic necessities which Harper and his government have proven time and time again that they do not care about. The only consultation for me in this election is that they are once again a minority, and do not have free reign to tun Canada into an elitist empire. And for that, we can only be grateful. Now if you'll excuse me, I'm going to go and put my head in the toilet.

Rock The Vote

On October 14th, Canadian readers have the opportunity, if not an obligation, to vote in our Federal election. If you're eligible, vote. Plain and simple. Not voting is both a disservice to you, but also to your country (as cliched as that sounds).

I, myself am voting later today in the advance vote due to the fact that I will be travelling on election day.

The core of this blog "rant" is that there is an increasing amount of apathy among first time or young voters. In short, educate yourself on the issues and ask questions. If I hear one more person say to me "Voting doesn't accomplish anything" or "I don't know anything about the election, therefore there's no reason to vote", I am going to fucking hurt someone. If you choose not to vote, please spare me the bitching and moaning about high tuition, your environmental issue du jour, the Olympics and the price of gas (to name but a few).

I myself am torn as to who to vote for. You might think that not voting is your big fucking political statement. To you I say...grow the fuck up! There are choices you can make at the polls that will reflect your distaste for the political landscape. Those choices will make a difference.

Not voting is suffocating your own voice. P. Diddy had it right when he said "Vote or die". So get out an vote.