So here comes another Provincial election. What have we seen so far.Attack ads? Check
Confusion on the issues that matter? Like bipole 3. Check
Outright lies? Check
These things, plus the cynicism toward the political system, have created an increase of voter apathy (despite the fact that advanced polls almost doubled since the 2007 election. A lot of people think that whatever party you elect it doesn't really matter, you're going to get the same form of governance. Where does this cynicism come from? I think part of it starts with Barack Obama. The way he campaigned on hope and look where the states are now? He promised to get out of the iraq war, to pull all of the troops out within months and it didn't happen. He said he would be transparent, and has been the least transparent president i can recall, and that's including Bush! Point is, its been business as usual in the states, and this has an impact on cynicism toward the political system even in Canada. Whichever party is voted in on october 4, you're going to see very similar government. Plus the parties have done very little to communicate their plans on the important issues, like bipole 3, or any vision for the province. At least, not a vision that wipes away my cynicism toward the political system. I think what would speak to common voters are independent candidates. Someone with a.... Sovereign vision. Candidates who aren't controlled by their party. Perhaps a party that's not PC, NDP, LIB, Green, or Communist. Because none of these parties speak to me. I think most ppl vote PC or NDP because they're the realistic candidates and the most credible candidates. But it really is: Whose the best of the worst?Do you really "believe" in any party or candidate? Or are you voting because you feel it's you're duty, you're being a good Canadian and participating in democracy and all that jazz? Think about it. You're probably just voting for the candidate that makes you less sick. It's sad, but true. Well, for me at least.
You can find out more about the election at: www.elections.mb.ca
At the end of the day, we vote for who's going to put what money where. It's nothing more than voting on who's gonna put what money where. A provincial election is not a time or place to discuss real far reaching issues of who has what power; there's never a question of changing the system for the better. People want change, but when you propose a change, people reject it because change is ugly and uncomfortable.
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