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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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7:40:00 AM
by lefty74
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