Do those of you who are regular coffee drinkers ever stop to ask yourself why we drink so much of it? I am a total java fanatic, but really, aside from the mug I bring to class with me every day, how much coffee do I really need to drink? The answer of course is that I don't NEED any coffee at all, and nor do any of us. However, let's face it, we are collectively hooked on that sweet caffeinated goodness. I've got the coffee jones, and it's bad.
It's not so much the rich aroma, or the little bit of giddy-up. Nope, I drink gallons of coffee every day for the same reasons we all do. Just what are these reasons, though? A few:
1. Force of habit - I'm a total slave to routines. I like predictability, and can't cope with altering my morning routine.
2. Coffee culture - A huge culture has sprung up in North America surrounding coffee in the past 15 years or so. It essentially is based on the Eurpean coffee house model, but instead of hitting Starbucks, Haaselton's, or some other upscale coffee house that actually does have some ambiance, in our typical North American uncultured manner, we sit at the bland run-of-the-mill Tim Horton's that is identical to the other 15 of them in our city.
3. It's a beer substitute - Okay, look, I love beer. Beer is good. The problem is that beer is TOO good. Apparently, drinking a couple of beers every morning isn't socially acceptable (damn conformist moral majority) ;) , so coffee it is... (For any of you getting your shorts in a knot and thinking "Oh my goodness, would he actually drink a couple beers every morning?", relax. I'm not nearly as think as you drunk I am) (The preceding message was brought to you by The Foundation for Knowing How to Recognize a Joke)
4. Cuz evvvverybody's doin' it - Yep, even as adults we are prone to falling into the herd without even realizing it. Put any coffee drinker in a room with a few other people who are swilling a cup of joe, and you can bet that person (ie: moi) will be fumbling for change to fetch a double-double, or waving their arms wildly to get the server over with a cup o' the good stuff within about 15 seconds. Nobody wants to feel unhip (I know. It's dumb as all heck, but for whatever reason we feel somehow hip or socially sophisticated just because we are drinking a cup of crushed beans and hot water).
5. Nobody likes a quitter! - I was raised to work hard, see plans through, put future goals ahead of short-term ones, and all that other great stuff that fathers of the Boomer generation passed on to their sons in a not-so-subtle manner (ie: Boomer father tells slacker son to get his head out of the sand, use his head for more than a hat holder, etc.). Now, how would my father feel knowing his years spent berating me went to waste and he raised a quitter? No, worries, Dad. Your son doesn't give up! Nope, I am taking a stance against all the underachievers out there that would toss their Thermos in the blue box for the "betterment of (their) health". I intend to stand tall, wave my mug of java in the air, and pat myself on the back for sticking to my principles. ;)
So, upon reflection, it isn't so much that I think I should abruptly dump coffee. Nope, coffee and I have a pretty good partnership. We just need to see a little less of each other.
Wednesday, November 12, 2008
Sunday, November 2, 2008
Let's talk about Sens
So, October has drawn to a close, and with it, the National Hockey League season is slowly (Seriously, does the league have an intentional mandate to draw the season out until late June every year for the rest of time?) getting into gear. Most of the league's 30 teams have now played at least ten games, and despite the fact that it's still early, several expected (and some unexpected) themes have emerged from the fledgling season already. I resisted the strong urge to post my pre-season prognostications, but I can't seem to withstand the urge to comment on a couple of things that have risen to prominence so far in this young season.
First things first, to all the people surprised by the Leafs' strong start, I can't help but ask why it's at all shocking. Ron Wilson is an excellent NHL coach, and his team will outwork many teams on any given night. Given that it's still early in the schedule, many teams haven't hit their stride yet, and will fall prey to the hardworking tenacity Wilson's troops employ. However, honestly, to those of the Don Cherry bent that feel this Leafs team can somehow overcome their complete lack of talent and offence (when Mikael Grabovski, who couldn't crack Montreal's top 12 forwards is your #1 centre, you have a problem) you're setting yourselves up for disappointment in line with the past several years. This team simply does not have enough NHL-level talent to come out from the rigours of an 82 game schedule in playoff position. The league's best teams will grow stronger throughout the season, and can beat the Leafs on talent alone on most nights. The Rangers for example are not too likely to pull a collapse akin to last night against the Leafs in January. I think Leafs fans should be more concerned with playing themselves into good draft position than some 8th place fantasy. Simply put, the Leafs need a young offensive star to build their team around... the kind you usually find in the early picks of the NHL draft.
I have laughed numerous times this season already at the pundits surprised by Ottawa's slow start. I keep hearing them referred to as the "retooled" Senators. My buddy and I laugh at that term all the time. Losing your best defenceman to free agency (Wade Redden), not replacing him, and then only adding a grizzled, slow-footed defenceman (Jason Smith), and couple of grinders to your lineup doesn't exactly seem much like retooling to this guy. Yes, Bryan Murray did add some much-needed muscle over the summer in Jarkko Ruutu and Smith, but after losing out in the sweepstakes for prized UFA defenceman Brian Campbell, and striking out in attempts to trade for Dan Boyle, Murray failed to land a puck-moving defenceman to replace Redden. Furthermore, Murray did nothing to address the Sens' lack of consistent secondary scoring. The Big Three are once again the only steady offensive line the Senators have, and every time Craig Hartsburg breaks them up, they become ineffective. This problem has plagued Ottawa for several seasons now, yet Murray has yet to come up with any viable solutions to it. As for the other big problem in Ottawa, the goaltending picture remains clouded, with neither Martin Gerber nor Alex Auld showing enough consistency to establish himself as the unquestionable number one starter. Thus, considering the Senators still suffer from all of the problems they had last year, except for the addition of a bit of grit, this team is the same as the one that barely made the post-season in '07-08. I am hardly surprised by their slow start. This is a mediocre hockey team, that happens to have three of the league's better offensive players on it. I think the only way Murray can address his team's needs is to trade one of the Big Three (personally, I think Jason Spezza is highly dispensable) for a puck-moving defenceman, and some second-line offence. Otherwise, the Senators will remain a team with some flashy top-end talent, but lacking the overall depth, defence, and goaltending to contend.
I'm not trying to pick on either the Leafs or the Senators here, but living in this part of the country, hockey fans get inundated with coverage of both teams, and it's usually of a biased slant. I'm not shocked at their respective starts. The Senators have major problems and may struggle to make the playoffs, while the Leafs will continue to gain points in the early part of the season, when other teams haven't found their legs yet. It's a long season. I'll check back in a month or two, and we'll see where they both sit then.
First things first, to all the people surprised by the Leafs' strong start, I can't help but ask why it's at all shocking. Ron Wilson is an excellent NHL coach, and his team will outwork many teams on any given night. Given that it's still early in the schedule, many teams haven't hit their stride yet, and will fall prey to the hardworking tenacity Wilson's troops employ. However, honestly, to those of the Don Cherry bent that feel this Leafs team can somehow overcome their complete lack of talent and offence (when Mikael Grabovski, who couldn't crack Montreal's top 12 forwards is your #1 centre, you have a problem) you're setting yourselves up for disappointment in line with the past several years. This team simply does not have enough NHL-level talent to come out from the rigours of an 82 game schedule in playoff position. The league's best teams will grow stronger throughout the season, and can beat the Leafs on talent alone on most nights. The Rangers for example are not too likely to pull a collapse akin to last night against the Leafs in January. I think Leafs fans should be more concerned with playing themselves into good draft position than some 8th place fantasy. Simply put, the Leafs need a young offensive star to build their team around... the kind you usually find in the early picks of the NHL draft.
I have laughed numerous times this season already at the pundits surprised by Ottawa's slow start. I keep hearing them referred to as the "retooled" Senators. My buddy and I laugh at that term all the time. Losing your best defenceman to free agency (Wade Redden), not replacing him, and then only adding a grizzled, slow-footed defenceman (Jason Smith), and couple of grinders to your lineup doesn't exactly seem much like retooling to this guy. Yes, Bryan Murray did add some much-needed muscle over the summer in Jarkko Ruutu and Smith, but after losing out in the sweepstakes for prized UFA defenceman Brian Campbell, and striking out in attempts to trade for Dan Boyle, Murray failed to land a puck-moving defenceman to replace Redden. Furthermore, Murray did nothing to address the Sens' lack of consistent secondary scoring. The Big Three are once again the only steady offensive line the Senators have, and every time Craig Hartsburg breaks them up, they become ineffective. This problem has plagued Ottawa for several seasons now, yet Murray has yet to come up with any viable solutions to it. As for the other big problem in Ottawa, the goaltending picture remains clouded, with neither Martin Gerber nor Alex Auld showing enough consistency to establish himself as the unquestionable number one starter. Thus, considering the Senators still suffer from all of the problems they had last year, except for the addition of a bit of grit, this team is the same as the one that barely made the post-season in '07-08. I am hardly surprised by their slow start. This is a mediocre hockey team, that happens to have three of the league's better offensive players on it. I think the only way Murray can address his team's needs is to trade one of the Big Three (personally, I think Jason Spezza is highly dispensable) for a puck-moving defenceman, and some second-line offence. Otherwise, the Senators will remain a team with some flashy top-end talent, but lacking the overall depth, defence, and goaltending to contend.
I'm not trying to pick on either the Leafs or the Senators here, but living in this part of the country, hockey fans get inundated with coverage of both teams, and it's usually of a biased slant. I'm not shocked at their respective starts. The Senators have major problems and may struggle to make the playoffs, while the Leafs will continue to gain points in the early part of the season, when other teams haven't found their legs yet. It's a long season. I'll check back in a month or two, and we'll see where they both sit then.
Wednesday, October 15, 2008
300 million reasons to frown
And so begins the day after. I can recall a time, not so long ago when Canadian federal elections actually decided something. Alas, that all seemed to go out the window with 12 years of virtually unchallenged Liberal rule in the Nineties, and early in the current decade. Let's face it; the landscape of federal politics has changed in this country. The minority that the Conservatives reached last night marks the third consecutive non-majority government in this country, a trend I see continuing. The fact is, voters are increasingly polarized and fragmented in this nation. We now have four national parties, and a fifth (the Bloq) that commands two-thirds of the seats in our second most-populace province. Things are fractured, simply put.
And thus, it irks me this morning to think that Stephen Harper and the Conservatives had the audacity to spend $300 million in a fruitless bid to win the elusive majority they so clearly crave. Forget the nonsense Harper spent the campaign spouting about how Parliament had become dysfunctional. The Tory minority that began in 2006 was actually both the longest serving minority we've ever had, and one of the most productive as well. Minority rule keeps parties and governments honest. It manufactures a spirit of cooperation, and compromise. Minority governments cannot force controversial legislation upon the Canadian public without it first passing a legislature that can defeat it at any time. Now, it is true that the Tory minority enjoyed considerable support from a Liberal opposition that was in disarray, and saddled with a puzzling and difficult leader in Stephane Dion.
Speaking of Dion, one major change did occur in yesterday's fiasco; you can bet your socks that Stephane Dion will not be leading the Liberal Party of Canada in the next general election. Last night's results represented the worst general election showing by the Liberals in Canadian history. If the Grits didn't already have the knives out for Dion, you can be sure that it was indeed the sound of multiple blades being sharpened that you could hear during Michael Ignatieff's interview with the CBC late last night.
The NDP made modest gains yesterday, increasing their seat total by seven from 2006. It was a bit of a disheartening result for Jack Layton, no doubt, but the New Democrats are nothing if not realistic. The slim chance they had to form the opposition made for good press for the party, but really this election was about making some strong gains across the country, while waiting for the waters to clear for the next election. Layton has almost assuredly maintained the support of his party, and will lead them into battle again next time around. The result wasn't as strong as what the NDP faithful had hoped for, but was still encouraging enough to grease the wheels for another solid push in the next campaign.
I must admit I am a bit surpised that the Green Party did not gain a single seat yesterday. Now, it cetainly wasn't the wisest of moves running leader Elizabeth May against Tory incumbent Peter McKay in a Nova Scotia Tory stronghold. If May is to gain a seat in the House of Commons, it will likely have to come via a by-election down the road.
The Bloq? More of the usual from Gilles Duceppe and company. They fought a skilled campaign as always, and again the leader's job is likely Duceppe's for as long as he wants it. Their roughly 50 seat take represents a full two-thirds of Quebec's total, so the Bloq have maintained their considerable presence on the Hill.
So what else did this election accomplish? Not much, really. It proved that Stephen Harper does not look anything but hokey in a sweater, that Stephane Dion for all his intellectual wizardry comes across as awkward and unfocused, that Jack Layton while arguably the most eloquent and polished of the federal leaders still can't get that elusive breakthrough the NDP have waited decades for, and that May will continue to be a bit player on the scene for the time being. Three-hundred million dollars spent to prove what many of us already knew; minorities are becoming the new norm in Canadian elections. In another year to 16 months, we'll likely get the chance to prove this theory true all over again. Boo-urns.
And thus, it irks me this morning to think that Stephen Harper and the Conservatives had the audacity to spend $300 million in a fruitless bid to win the elusive majority they so clearly crave. Forget the nonsense Harper spent the campaign spouting about how Parliament had become dysfunctional. The Tory minority that began in 2006 was actually both the longest serving minority we've ever had, and one of the most productive as well. Minority rule keeps parties and governments honest. It manufactures a spirit of cooperation, and compromise. Minority governments cannot force controversial legislation upon the Canadian public without it first passing a legislature that can defeat it at any time. Now, it is true that the Tory minority enjoyed considerable support from a Liberal opposition that was in disarray, and saddled with a puzzling and difficult leader in Stephane Dion.
Speaking of Dion, one major change did occur in yesterday's fiasco; you can bet your socks that Stephane Dion will not be leading the Liberal Party of Canada in the next general election. Last night's results represented the worst general election showing by the Liberals in Canadian history. If the Grits didn't already have the knives out for Dion, you can be sure that it was indeed the sound of multiple blades being sharpened that you could hear during Michael Ignatieff's interview with the CBC late last night.
The NDP made modest gains yesterday, increasing their seat total by seven from 2006. It was a bit of a disheartening result for Jack Layton, no doubt, but the New Democrats are nothing if not realistic. The slim chance they had to form the opposition made for good press for the party, but really this election was about making some strong gains across the country, while waiting for the waters to clear for the next election. Layton has almost assuredly maintained the support of his party, and will lead them into battle again next time around. The result wasn't as strong as what the NDP faithful had hoped for, but was still encouraging enough to grease the wheels for another solid push in the next campaign.
I must admit I am a bit surpised that the Green Party did not gain a single seat yesterday. Now, it cetainly wasn't the wisest of moves running leader Elizabeth May against Tory incumbent Peter McKay in a Nova Scotia Tory stronghold. If May is to gain a seat in the House of Commons, it will likely have to come via a by-election down the road.
The Bloq? More of the usual from Gilles Duceppe and company. They fought a skilled campaign as always, and again the leader's job is likely Duceppe's for as long as he wants it. Their roughly 50 seat take represents a full two-thirds of Quebec's total, so the Bloq have maintained their considerable presence on the Hill.
So what else did this election accomplish? Not much, really. It proved that Stephen Harper does not look anything but hokey in a sweater, that Stephane Dion for all his intellectual wizardry comes across as awkward and unfocused, that Jack Layton while arguably the most eloquent and polished of the federal leaders still can't get that elusive breakthrough the NDP have waited decades for, and that May will continue to be a bit player on the scene for the time being. Three-hundred million dollars spent to prove what many of us already knew; minorities are becoming the new norm in Canadian elections. In another year to 16 months, we'll likely get the chance to prove this theory true all over again. Boo-urns.
Tuesday, October 7, 2008
Ten years after
I still have many pictures from that particular phase of my life. I was young, full of rock n roll vigour, and itching to play loud and proud. The photos say it all; four crazy guys striking their best wannabe rock star poses; sneering, leering, posing and preening. I was in my twenties, and living the semi-professional musician's life; the cover gigs, the small stages and dive bars, the mediocre pay, the sparse crowds populated almost entirely by friends and family. It was as Dickens once wrote, both the best of times, and the worst of times.
The year was 1998, and I had just taken an indefinite "sabbatical" from University to pursue the rock n roll dream. I had just formed a new band of some potential, and being young and idealistic, I threw myself into it with reckless abandon. We had a fantastic rehearsal space, a 500-square foot warehouse across the street from the beer store and local mall. Four nights a week for we bashed out our favourite cover songs over and over again, and before long, we were a well-oiled machine. The gigs started to come in fast and furious. We took them all. No gig was too small, or insignificant. We hit the local bars, outdoor festivals, corn roasts, and backyard parties. It almost goes without saying that I don't recall ever making a dime, as what little pay we ever did receive went straight into our bellies in the form of barley and hops, not to mention the money we spent on fliers, portfolios, and transportation. Getting rich was never the point. The point was that we were young, ambitious, wild, and living our own little personal dream.
I had more fun playing music that year than I ever had before, or likely since. The demise of the band was predictable. It was the usual "Jimmy quit, Joey got married" (Bryan Adams, Summer of '69) bit. Our drummer and second guitarist both became fathers, and got married, while I moved back to my hometown for a couple years to reassess my life and its priorities. However, for a brief moment in time, I lived the musician's life... and every minute of it was great.
So why do I bring this blast from my past up at this time? Well, long story short, after years of brief one-off reunions, and aborted attempts to form new bands, my old cohorts and I have once again joined forces. Ten years later (sounds like a good promotional avenue: the ten year reunion tour... ha ha), those four lads are older, balder, and wiser. Time is often cruel, but the four of us are infinitely better musicians, and having all grown the heck up, have no illusions of grandeur. Four guys in a room, pounding out good old-fashioned loud rock n roll for the sheer enjoyment of it. We have a space rented, and a practice schedule set up. When you get to be a bit older, as we all have, you learn to appreciate the simple details of playing music. The mere chance to plug into the Marshalls, stand in front of 'em and let the force shake you is far more thrilling when you've spent several years playing in your basement.
So, before long, no backyard shindig, barbeque, or hole-in-the-wall local venue will be safe. Sure hope the beer is cold when we get there.
The year was 1998, and I had just taken an indefinite "sabbatical" from University to pursue the rock n roll dream. I had just formed a new band of some potential, and being young and idealistic, I threw myself into it with reckless abandon. We had a fantastic rehearsal space, a 500-square foot warehouse across the street from the beer store and local mall. Four nights a week for we bashed out our favourite cover songs over and over again, and before long, we were a well-oiled machine. The gigs started to come in fast and furious. We took them all. No gig was too small, or insignificant. We hit the local bars, outdoor festivals, corn roasts, and backyard parties. It almost goes without saying that I don't recall ever making a dime, as what little pay we ever did receive went straight into our bellies in the form of barley and hops, not to mention the money we spent on fliers, portfolios, and transportation. Getting rich was never the point. The point was that we were young, ambitious, wild, and living our own little personal dream.
I had more fun playing music that year than I ever had before, or likely since. The demise of the band was predictable. It was the usual "Jimmy quit, Joey got married" (Bryan Adams, Summer of '69) bit. Our drummer and second guitarist both became fathers, and got married, while I moved back to my hometown for a couple years to reassess my life and its priorities. However, for a brief moment in time, I lived the musician's life... and every minute of it was great.
So why do I bring this blast from my past up at this time? Well, long story short, after years of brief one-off reunions, and aborted attempts to form new bands, my old cohorts and I have once again joined forces. Ten years later (sounds like a good promotional avenue: the ten year reunion tour... ha ha), those four lads are older, balder, and wiser. Time is often cruel, but the four of us are infinitely better musicians, and having all grown the heck up, have no illusions of grandeur. Four guys in a room, pounding out good old-fashioned loud rock n roll for the sheer enjoyment of it. We have a space rented, and a practice schedule set up. When you get to be a bit older, as we all have, you learn to appreciate the simple details of playing music. The mere chance to plug into the Marshalls, stand in front of 'em and let the force shake you is far more thrilling when you've spent several years playing in your basement.
So, before long, no backyard shindig, barbeque, or hole-in-the-wall local venue will be safe. Sure hope the beer is cold when we get there.
Wednesday, September 24, 2008
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Things Geddy Lee Sang
Things Geddy Lee Sang Y'ello all, and welcome to my landing; a personal chunk of cyber-space dedicated to a wide array of topics, ranging from political issues of the present, to professional sports, to arts and culture, and many points in between. Some days, I may follow a whim and tell you some tale of woe from my week, others I may follow my politically hot-wired brain and delve into a hot-button topic. Some days I may just want to discuss why Jason Blake's stats last year were on par with his career average, or why Bryan Murray should be tarred and feathered. In short, life is about variety, and since I would be bored to tears with the same subjects each entry, I am going to be delving into my best Jimmy Key impersonation, and throwing some sharp curveballs over the corner of the plate. Anyway, welcome. Glad to have you onboard.
So, your first question might have to do with the title of this entry. There are likely two camps of people in regard to the title. The first group comprise people who are wondering what the heck the lead singer/bassist of Rush has to do with my blog. Do I know him? Am I some vinyl-collecting, scrapbook-wielding prog-rock nerd that attaches references to Rush everywhere I can possibly wedge them in? Nay on both counts. The second group comprises people who didn't know who Geddy Lee was until I mentioned his profession. All I can say is, shame, shame on all of you. Why the Rush reference then? Simple; in "Free Will", Geddy Lee sang: " If you choose not to decide, you still have made a choice". This lyric is the prefect summation of what Canadian voters face as we prepare to head to the polls in the Federal election. As I watch the American election with intent focus, I can't help but envy the clear choice that faces American voters as they approach the polls. American voters have a clear-cut choice between an experienced political veteran, with a history of military service and a right-wing agenda; and an inexperienced, young Senator with a reformist agenda stressing social policy and change. Two distinct options.
In the current Canadian Federal election, our voters once again face a muddled mess of what-ifs, half-baked policies, and a campaign with no clearly identifiable focus. Is it about the environment, or the economy; the war in Afghanistan, or social programs; job creation, or tax cuts? All of these issues are prominent and important, yet once again, with only three weeks left until election day, Canadians are left with a host of hot-button topics, few defined policies on them from the parties, and let's face it, a collection of leaders who despite their individual strengths, lack the charisma and star-power of a certain Democratic Presidential nominee. Now, charisma doesn't necessarily equate to strong legislative policy and effective government, but in this era of political apathy, some pizzazz sure would shake things up. Heck, having a leader or too with some oomph might even get the non-voting segment out to the polling stations. It sure would be nice to hold a general election that wasn't marred by a pitiful turnout rate in the fifty percent range.
So, yes, the current campaign, and its lack of clear focus leave a lot to be desired, however, without resorting to the usual cliches, I admonish all of you of voting age to make the effort to cast a ballot. Think about what matters most to you personally, and dig deeply into the campaign. The nightly sound-bites on the news won't help you choose, nor will short press clippings, or brief little blurbs. You have to dig deeper than the surface level. Pick up party literature at your local candidate's offices,go to rallies,attend functions where party leaders appear, if any are held in your area. Sounds like a lot of work, doesn't it? Really, it isn't. Many people mistakenly choose to ignore the importance of political awareness. The fact is, to be blunt, there isn't a single part of your personal life that isn't legislated of affected by the democratic process, and our elected officials. Voting is your own personal voice. As much as you may feel you have no say, the least you can do for yourself, is make an attempt to be informed on the issues, come to a choice, and mark that X on the ballot. Make this Federal election an exercise in using your own "Free Will", because if you choose not to vote at all you still will have made a choice. You will have chosen apathy.
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Things Geddy Lee Sang
Things Geddy Lee Sang Y'ello all, and welcome to my landing; a personal chunk of cyber-space dedicated to a wide array of topics, ranging from political issues of the present, to professional sports, to arts and culture, and many points in between. Some days, I may follow a whim and tell you some tale of woe from my week, others I may follow my politically hot-wired brain and delve into a hot-button topic. Some days I may just want to discuss why Jason Blake's stats last year were on par with his career average, or why Bryan Murray should be tarred and feathered. In short, life is about variety, and since I would be bored to tears with the same subjects each entry, I am going to be delving into my best Jimmy Key impersonation, and throwing some sharp curveballs over the corner of the plate. Anyway, welcome. Glad to have you onboard.
So, your first question might have to do with the title of this entry. There are likely two camps of people in regard to the title. The first group comprise people who are wondering what the heck the lead singer/bassist of Rush has to do with my blog. Do I know him? Am I some vinyl-collecting, scrapbook-wielding prog-rock nerd that attaches references to Rush everywhere I can possibly wedge them in? Nay on both counts. The second group comprises people who didn't know who Geddy Lee was until I mentioned his profession. All I can say is, shame, shame on all of you. Why the Rush reference then? Simple; in "Free Will", Geddy Lee sang: " If you choose not to decide, you still have made a choice". This lyric is the prefect summation of what Canadian voters face as we prepare to head to the polls in the Federal election. As I watch the American election with intent focus, I can't help but envy the clear choice that faces American voters as they approach the polls. American voters have a clear-cut choice between an experienced political veteran, with a history of military service and a right-wing agenda; and an inexperienced, young Senator with a reformist agenda stressing social policy and change. Two distinct options.
In the current Canadian Federal election, our voters once again face a muddled mess of what-ifs, half-baked policies, and a campaign with no clearly identifiable focus. Is it about the environment, or the economy; the war in Afghanistan, or social programs; job creation, or tax cuts? All of these issues are prominent and important, yet once again, with only three weeks left until election day, Canadians are left with a host of hot-button topics, few defined policies on them from the parties, and let's face it, a collection of leaders who despite their individual strengths, lack the charisma and star-power of a certain Democratic Presidential nominee. Now, charisma doesn't necessarily equate to strong legislative policy and effective government, but in this era of political apathy, some pizzazz sure would shake things up. Heck, having a leader or too with some oomph might even get the non-voting segment out to the polling stations. It sure would be nice to hold a general election that wasn't marred by a pitiful turnout rate in the fifty percent range.
So, yes, the current campaign, and its lack of clear focus leave a lot to be desired, however, without resorting to the usual cliches, I admonish all of you of voting age to make the effort to cast a ballot. Think about what matters most to you personally, and dig deeply into the campaign. The nightly sound-bites on the news won't help you choose, nor will short press clippings, or brief little blurbs. You have to dig deeper than the surface level. Pick up party literature at your local candidate's offices,go to rallies,attend functions where party leaders appear, if any are held in your area. Sounds like a lot of work, doesn't it? Really, it isn't. Many people mistakenly choose to ignore the importance of political awareness. The fact is, to be blunt, there isn't a single part of your personal life that isn't legislated of affected by the democratic process, and our elected officials. Voting is your own personal voice. As much as you may feel you have no say, the least you can do for yourself, is make an attempt to be informed on the issues, come to a choice, and mark that X on the ballot. Make this Federal election an exercise in using your own "Free Will", because if you choose not to vote at all you still will have made a choice. You will have chosen apathy.
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