Why i find it hard to be engaged

I won't lie! I voted Conservative in the last election. I did so for a number of reasons. Least of which was the sponsorship scandal and our local riding associations inability to field a candidate who grasped the english language, let alone government policy and competency. I mean if you could have heard this man at our local forums you would have understood why so many voted for the likeable Conservative and incumbent MP.

When i made my decision i was still learning the ins and outs (no pun intended...lol) of politics. I really felt that although the Liberals are more suited and comparable to the average canadian i decided it was time for little time out. You know send the bad boys to the corner of the room so they can think about what they've done. Well, i suppos at the time i had no clue about was coming. I'll admit i really bought the whole accountable and transparent government thing. Boy was i duped. I really thought the conservatives were so eager to finally return to governing they would ride this accountability thing as far as they could. I was actually eager to see the new government in action. What a nightmare it's been!

when i decided to start this blog, which wasn't that long ago. I did because i wanted to create a forum for my unique, and non-ideological outlook on politics. Unfortunately what's transpired over the last two years has made it increasingly hard to find positive and productive soundbits to add to growing conversation. Recently i've had none, which explains the hiadous from my still infantile blog.

I'm hoping wiht an election looming i will begin to find my stride again and have something productive for others to read and consider.

Take care
Jamie

Hope? For the Future?

As i watched Barack Obama on the Jon Stewart show on the internet last nght i couldn't help but be mesmerized by his actions, words, and candor. The Americans share a deeply rooted bond with Canadians and in this fashion i can't help but feel bonded to the hope that is surfacing in the U.S.

When i look down south i'm surprised by a number of things; a black man and a woman both have (or had) a legitimate shot at becoming President, if Hillary Clinton is elected that will mean the U.S. has had either a Bush or a Clinton in the White house for more than 20 years-that one might be the most startling fact for a country as broad and influential as the United States. But despite what seems in "name" to be just another election - is actually brimming with hope. Many might not understand the political and cultural implications that are evolving. 40 years ago a black man couldn't dine in the same restaurant as white people. Today many white people are entirely consumed by the voice of change that echoes from Barack. This is a huge accomplishment and one that in and of itself should not be overlooked.

So many issues have been making their way into the left over air time from all the alleged Conservative scandals. Issues like, immigration reform, afghanistan, the Cadman affair, Senate reform, the economy. These are issues that might as well come with a razer sharp blade attached because they draw opinions and "how to guides" so far from each other that they literally polarize the debate. This reminds me however, exactly what type of country we live in. Democracy is not the right to get what you want and it is not the assurance that your government will see eye to eye with you. Democracy is the knowledge and the understanding that i can believe whatever, and see however i want and that those opinions must be respected - not liked - but respected.

Sometimes you need the ceiling to fall down before you realize you need a new roof. With everything going on up here and down south i can only hope we realize that something just isn't working and it's time for a change.

JLM

The In and Out of the "in and out scheme"

Blogger Impolitical had a delighted post this afternoon explaining in 5th grade english the Conservatives "legal", "in and out scheme".



http://impolitical.blogspot.com/2008/04/spot-him-few-iq-points-mike.html



Really why even bother to go through the trouble of setting spending benchmarks and having election laws at all. According to the Conservatives this is all completely legal...and if it isn't...we'll change our spending practices. DUH, on top of being found guilty in a court of law of election violations, the least of what they'll be doing is modifying their election spending practices.



Libs have been awefully quite today. Something their hiding too?



JLM