Is politics broken – make an informed choice and VOTE!
[dropcap]P[/dropcap]Politics and government … it seems to be getting meaner, uglier and increasingly partisan as the years go by. Having the freedom to choose a representative and government is one of the greatest freedoms we have. Voting forms the very foundation of Canadian democracy.
Carleton riding had an 80% turnout during the last federal election. It remains to be seen if Carleton can maintain or better that. Our times demand the best government we can put in place and that demands voter participation.
These days democracy is under attack and destructive partisan politics is on the rise in ways never imagined in the past. You simply need to look south of the border to the Donald Trump administration or overseas to the Brexit debacle, the changes afoot in Germany, etc. If you want to read more about this troubling trend just have a look at these articles:
- Is Canada broken? – The Walrus
- Today’s political partisanship is hurting Canada’s best and brightest – McLeans Magazine
Canada is not immune. Attack ads, populism, social media rants, one leader tearing down another, hypocrisy, incoming governments tearing up the work of previous governments, provincial governments working to unseat federal policies or governments, empty promises, twisted accusations, extreme partisan politics, left versus right, threats of foreign manipulation and so on are corrosive to our democratic institutions. Lost in all of this is the ability to make real progress on important issues.
The national media focus on leaders, their platforms and “foibles” adds another layer to a complex divisive brew as we head to the polls. What is one to do?
Come to the all candidates meeting Oct. 9th, 7 pm at the Dining Hall, pose your questions, sort the truth from the rhetoric and push this riding’s turnout above 80% while picking the very best candidate for the job through an informed choice!
