It was under a year ago the HST was announced. The tax would increase the cost of a number of goods that many of us have felt. The outrage was phenomenal with the Premier having to step down over the controversy. Even though it wasn't part of the campaign, did those complaining vote? I am sure a large number of them did, but with the turnout being one of the lowest, I am also sure a number of people didn't vote.
Students feel their debt load at university is soaring, but the amount of youth who vote between the ages of 18-24 is deplorable with only 30% doing so.
Overall the number of registered electors who actually cast votes now hovers around 60%, which is quite shocking. Yet we all complain that government has failed us in some way and though no government is perfect, elections allow us to choose the most favorable. If you vote, they will listen! Don't let the idea of none of the parties sharing 100% of the same ideas fool you. If the green party grew in size, or even votes, the other parties would shape their platform to have more environmental initiatives.
But what if the people you vote for don't get in, and Canada has a government with completely different values? If you voted than you have every right to complain, protest, and fight back. But if you don't vote you throw away your strongest tool!
It is especially important for the young to vote. As I read on facebook wall last week, "You wouldn't let your grandparents choose who you date, so why do you let them choose your government?"
I am not asking people to vote for any particular party (Read all their platforms from Liberal and Conservative to the Western Block Party and the Communist party) I am just asking that you vote!
The 2011 Federal General Election will be on May 2nd, find your riding, candidates, and voting locations at http://www.elections.ca/scripts/pss/FindED.aspx?L=e
No comments:
Post a Comment