You deserve a government that works for you. We need to believe in the power of government. Government needs to be able to advance things that we cannot do on our own. We need to trust them to take action on the complex issues that create a just society. Our government is only as good as the people we elect. We need to select those candidates that seek this career to do something, to be of service, to move us forward into the future. Candidates, besides having the best credentials, must be respectful, caring, compassionate. It is essential that their intentions are to govern in such a way for the betterment of all peoples and protect our democracy.
Beware of those who seek political stature only to be someone. They may be driven by their ego, ideology, the need for power and a desire for control. They may only represent and be the voice of those who voted for them (special interest groups, lobbyists).
The best functioning society exists when people and corporations work for the common good of the society and strive to proactively make all people contributing members of society. This is the democratic creed. Unfortunately today we seem more divided than ever. We pit corporations over workers, the wealthy over the poor, ignorance over education, religion over science, wealth over health, men over women, white over colour, money over morality and party over country.
Today, independent journalism is necessary to get the facts and truth. Constant opinions on facebook are unreliable and unqualified sources.
I don’t think I am the only one who thinks that politics and big business or religion should ever be the major focus of a parties agenda. And I don’t believe that selling off our natural resources or institutions to foreign investors is wise nor is the privatization of our public services.
Ask yourself on election day: What do you want? For yourself, your parents, your family, your wife/daughter, husband/son, the community you live in and your way of life in our democratic society. You deserve a government that works for you.
When I go to the polls, I will be voting for a leader who I feel is competent, with credentials and experience suitable for the highest position in this country and for a party that represents my values.
I will be voting for the next generation on issues such as climate change, affordable housing, child care, families, lifting people out of poverty by giving them the opportunity to be a productive member of our society. I want them to have meaningful, fulfilling and purposeful lives.
I will be voting for the party that represents my voice, women’s voices, that champions the woman’s right to choose. I want women to have opportunities and be valued for the role they play in our society. This should not be just a woman’s issue. We need your support, we would be grateful if you speak up, and walk beside us, not in front, not behind, but beside us. (For your grandmothers, mothers, wives, daughters, granddaughters, friends.)
Just as important, I will not be voting on misleading rhetoric. I will not be trapped to vote on a single issue (abortion, equalization, carbon tax nor the debt). We would be rather naive to think that we have the ability, knowledge, or expertise to make decisions on these complex issues, therefore, they are best left to the people who are capable and competent.
I hope this gives you some encouragement to examine your values and decision making process. Voting is a right and a privilege. I encourage you to exercise that right.
Miriam Farrington is a Ponoka resident.