Still Not Sure Who to Vote For In The Canadian Election?

Hello All,

This is probably my last pre-election blog (I might write about the results, because heck this is a big deal, right?).  (Actually, all this week I didn't write about politics or the economy - I painted . . .  and it was good.)

Why are some people so short-sighted?  I just heard a guy on the radio ranting about how he doesn't want a carbon-tax, because he doesn't want to pay more taxes, and because he already pays enough for gasoline. . . . yadda, yadda, yadda - the same old, same old negative complaining.   And, yet, in the same breath he is howling about how much he's losing in the stock market, and how his job is in danger.  I wish people would stop and consider that everything which is happening isn't "the end" . . .  it's actually "the beginning."

The people who are panicking right now might want to consider the following. Maybe just maybe, a move to a sustainable enconomy might just stimulate the economy and create jobs?  We need people to invent and implement new green technology.  All the people who are no longer building houses could be employed to retro-fit existing homes, and make them more energy-efficient.  When we get past fearing short-term pain like paying a bit more for fuel, and focus on all the positive ways we can dig ourselves out of the "current economic crisis" by building "micro-economies"  with an emphasis on locally produced food and other consumer goods, we will have more than enough jobs and prosperity to go around.

I have been really disillusioned with the way the media and the Conservative Party have been treating Stephane Dion (and I'm not generally a Liberal supporter).  It made me think about the lyrics from the song, Kermit the Frog sang, "It's Not Easy Being Green." 

"It's not that easy being green . . . and, people tend to pass you over, 'cause you're not standing out like flashy sparkles in the water . . .  or stars in the sky. . . . Green can be cool and friendly like . . . . and green can be big like an ocean, important like a mountain or tall like a tree . . ." 

I am so tired of mean-spirited political bullies like Stephen Harper.  I lived under that kind of regime here in Alberta under Ralph Klein.  That kind of leadership serves to supress and ridicule progressive and optimistic thinking, and cultivates the baser instincts in people like - fear, hostility and greed.  I am not alone in thinking that we human beings are better than that "dog-eat-dog" every man for himself mentality.

A poll just released today shows the Conservatives in the lead.  I hope they don't get a majority, because that would be like giving them the keys to all the things we treasure in this country like healthcare and the environment, and letting them do whatever they want.  Another minority would force all the parties to dump their partisan posturing, and focus on cooperation.  I believe Canadians do not want another election any time soon, nor do they want a dictatorship.  But, what's a person to do?  With three parties sharing the left of the spectrum in this country, vote-spliting is a serious concern.

Many of you may have heard of this website:  Vote for Environment  While its primary focus is on getting environmentally conscious parties and members of parliament elected, it is also useful for those people concerned about spliting the vote.  If you are in a riding where vote-spliting might be an issue, then this site might help you vote strategically.

Here's their promotional video:

If you are a student, have students in your life, or are considering staying home instead of voting, then Rick Mercer has an appeal for you . . .

Another website to check out is the David Suzuki Foundation.  While half the world is being swept up in fear and paranoia about the plunging stock-market, the other half of the world understands that this is the end of the old, carbon-addicted economy and the dawn of a new and sustainable one.  We can't save the planet while buying into an economy based on consuming more and more.  . . .  and here's one more video, just for fun.  . . .