Final Pre-Election Thoughts
On the day prior to the Canadian Federal Election, here are some final thoughts.
- I stick with my predictions.
- It would be a good thing for Canada to have a majority government. Though many feel as if a minority keeps us balanced, the net effect of a minority is to hinder the ability to create change. I fail to see how minimizing our ability to adapt and move forward is a good thing in today’s day and age.
- If young people would vote, no matter for whom, it would change the future of elections in this country. At present, it makes no sense for parties and politicians to spend time on a demographic which has minimal impact on election day.
- I do not believe people in prison should have the right to vote. I believe that should be one of the civil liberties lost with a conviction (during the period of incarceration).
- The accusation that the Tories’ approach is “evil” and “American” amuses me. What I find to be American are the attack ads (from the blue, red and orange) that are based on fear rather than reason. I did not say that those ads do not work, I said that they are very American in tone so using them to accuse another party of being American in their approach is ironic.
- Speaking of ads, am I the only one who has noticed how simplistic they have gotten? Casino machines and cartoons? I understand that they need to communicate complex ideas in a way that is understandable and sticks with the average voter, but I find them to be inane.
- I also find the anti “big corporations” yet pro jobs and workers sentiment ironic. Where do you think the workers are working? Will raising corporate taxes help create a better environment for foreign investment and help Canadian based companies competitiveness. Of course not.
- I hope the Liberals’ defeat tomorrow does not eliminate the possibility of a carbon consumption based tax in the future. I only hope that the next iteration is conceived with a better understanding of the economic impacts and our deep and necessary ties with America. If we set our standards exceedingly high and they do not follow we only serve to make our companies uncompetitive in the global market. Better to work together to influence them (and the world) in the right direction than to be green for the sake of holding a moral high ground.
All that said, I agree with The Globe and Mail’s endorsement (not that news media should be offering endorsements, but that is another issue for another time). The Conservatives are the best option for Canada in this election.
Now, go vote!
Tags: attack ads, Canadian federal election 2008, Conservatives, Globe and Mail, Liberals, NDP
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