Gratitude Monday -- Election Edition

Today is the federal election and that means we get to vote.
It also means we get to not vote with impunity.
I am grateful for both.
I am happy I live in a land that has free and democratic elections. We have several parties to chose from and we get to mark out ballot in secret with no one telling us where the X goes.
It's what brave men and women fought and died for.
Equally important is the freedom to not vote without fear of reprisals. It is also what those brave men and women fought and died for.
It galls me no end that so many people exercise their right to not vote. If everyone voted I suspect many of our elections would have a far different outcome.
Who you vote for is your business, and if you chose not to vote that's your business, too.
But please, non-voters, keep in mind that someone in your constituency is voting right now for someone you don't like.
Why not reply in kind?

Gratitude Monday--Election Edition

This is only wild rose I want to see blooming in Alberta

Today is election day in Alberta. I am grateful I live in a country where I can vote without fear. 

That said, I do have fear this time. I am scared the Alberta Wildrose Party will take the helm of the province and send us reeling back in time a few decades.

Leader Danielle Smith is a smart woman who knows how to present herself and the party ideas. Some of them sound good on the superficial level. Give them some critical thought and we can see that white guys believe they speak for everyone and are listened to by everyone unlike those ethnic people, gays and lesbians do not need protection (and by inference do not deserve same) and that the jury is still out on climate change.

She will, however, balance the budget on the backs of the poor and the ill while patting us on the head and handing out $300 cheques.

But this is Gratitude Monday and I'm getting away from my point.

I am grateful that by tomorrow we'll probably have a viable Opposition in government for a change. And that means no matter who gets the nod from the voters there'll be others on the job to keep them reasonably honest.

I am grateful I live in a democracy, but I do wish more of us would use it.

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