We Are Blessed To Live In Canada

We should not take it for granted.

It is far from perfect and depending upon your perspective, it may never get there. Those who have become Canadians more recently (and especially those who have come from horrible circumstances) may have the greatest appreciation for our country.

We who have been here longer probably complain more.

Many try to rationalize away their right to vote, decrying the futility, but we all have the same ability to influence the outcome and we should make sure that we exercise that democratic right.

Politicians (both the party leaders and the constituent in my riding) and their goals may be questionable and objectionable and sometimes the choices are limited, but we should not let this dissuade us from voting, even if it is the best of bad choices.

I have a simple formula for making my choice:

I list my priorities, in order, then try to find which party platforms best suit those priorities.

My family's well-being (and future well-being) is always at the top of the list and there are many sub-priorities that fall under this heading, both long-term and short-term in nature.

I would never assume to try and influence anybody's personal choices.

It is arrogance in the highest form to try and impose my beliefs on anybody else.

It is weakness in the highest form to let others influence your beliefs.

We all owe it to ourselves to make our own decisions based on what our priorities are.

As a country or as a community, we have all obliged ourselves to co-exist within the context of what the majority wants, but if we collectively decide that they no longer (or never did) share our interests, then we also have the ability to vote for change.

Is it time for change?

I can't tell you that. 

Decide for yourselves.

But exercise your right to vote for the person or party that you think will take our beloved country in the direction that suits you best.

and..... GO GO BLUE JAYS!