An open letter to Canadian Politicians
Dear Canadian political types,
Where is the love?
I’m so sick of hearing about how much your opponent is trying to screw me, or mess with the Constitution, or is just plain arrogant and mean spirited.
Here’s something that I would find refreshing: Agree with your opponent. Why not? Remind people that they are in fact working hard, and each person has the best interest of the country at heart.
It’s a sad day when Canadian politics are more cut throat than American. I’ll never forget the day when Obama said to his supporters something to the effect of, “Say what you want about John McCain, but he loves his country as much as I do.” I’m paraphrasing, but I would like nothing more than to see some acknowledgement of mutual respect on Parliament hill.
Is that too much to ask?
Sincerely,
Canada
Getting involved…
Okay, so I was inspired to voice my opinion to the powers that be. Here is a copy of a letter that I sent variations of to Lee Richardson, my MP, Jim Flaherty, Minister of Finance, Stephan Dion, Leader of the Liberal Party of Canada, Jack Layton, Leader of the NDP, Michelle Jean, the Governor General, and CBC.
I don’t know if it’s overkill, or whatever, but I feel good having sent it.
For the record, I included most of my previous post ver batum in this letter.
To whom it may concern,
The talk of a coalition government in Ottawa is preposterous.
I am a second year University student in Calgary, and I had the pleasure of voting in a federal election for the first time. The excitement of following politics was exhilarating, and though the candidate I voted for did not win, I am proud to have been among the 58% of Canadians that cast their vote on October 14th.
While in October I had hoped to see the headlines announcing “Prime Minister Dion”, to see that headline in December would make me sick. In these times of economic instability, the last thing Canadians need is political instability.
In short, I hope the coalition doesn’t happen.
The opposition claims the Conservatives aren’t addressing the economy. That it lacks a stimulus package. But I’ve read their policy (available at http://www.fin.gc.ca/ec2008/ec-eng.html ), and it would, in fact, act as a stimulus package for the economy. They’re just not calling it a stimulus package. Because if you tell your economy, “I’m giving you a stimulus package”, it sends the message that your economy is so bad that it needs a stimulus package. When people think the economy is bad, they don’t spend money, and the economy becomes bad. It is a self fulfilling prophecy.
Instead, the conservatives want to cut taxes by 31 billion dollars, which will effectively add 31 billion dollars into the pockets of spenders. Which is good for the economy. In fact, it’s the equivalent of a 31 billion dollar “stimulus package.” Well, 30.973 billion now that they’re reinstating the party subsidies.
The liberals, et al. would like to provide a 3 billion dollar stimulus package.
And I don’t know what they want to do to taxes.
This talk of a coalition is ridiculous, and it’s an abuse of an archaic loophole last used in 1926. In fact, that’s the only time it’s been used.
The conservatives need 9 votes for their budget to pass. I hope that 9 MPs vote against their parties to keep the government in, because in times of economic instability, the last thing Canadians need as a nation is political instability.
Before a vote of non-confidence, I think the Conservatives deserve a chance to propose a budget that is acceptable to the country. If it means proroguing parliament to have time to do so, then that’s how it has to be. If the opposition plans on voting the budget down, I think the budget needs to be addressed point by point to determine what exactly the problem with it is. I think the voters deserve some hard work from both sides of this issue to prevent turning the government upside down.
If there is no effort to work together, then this coalition will appear to be an obvious, partisan, inappropriate, and not only anti-Conservative, but anti Canadian undermining of the system.
I hope my voice is heard, and that Canadians are given the government we deserve.
Sincerely,
Kevin Leitch
Anyway, i kind of got a rush writing this, and I wish I didn’t have assignments to work on and exams to study for, because I really could’ve given this some more time and effort. But, alas, the life of a student doesn’t always allow for time to sink into writing the best letter to your politicians. So, I hope this one got my message across.
Canadian Opposition Coalition (the good ol’ COC)
I hope it doesn’t happen.
EDIT: I’ve written a letter (see next post) that included what used to be here. Please read it, if you’re interested.
Re: above letter - This is just the tip of the iceberg. I can rant on this for a long time, and I have on more than one occasion.
For more info:
Election Coverage
samreich:
I just spent a half-hour parked outside my apartment with my cab driver. His words:
“I was born in Haiti. I was top of my class. I was intelligent.
“When I came to America, I went to public school. The teachers wouldn’t listen to me. I had financial problems and went to a welfare office. They wouldn’t help me. I spent five days homeless in a train station. I went to the top of a building and thought about jumping off. I thought that this country was no place for a black man. I thought that this skin didn’t belong here.
“Yesterday, I felt my intelligence coming back.”
After this - no kidding - I shook his hands with both of mine, and he kissed my hands, and said “I love you, man.” I told him I loved him too.
If this election gives the country even remotely the sense of connectedness it just gave me, then we’re going to be okay.
Beautiful.
The election sites make their changes…
http://www.howisobamadoing.com/ AND http://www.howismccaindoing.com/
“President Obama”
http://www.palinaspresident.us/
Yes We Can song, instead of the comical interactive Palin flash game.
Hillarious!
