To Vote or not to Vote
Smell that? Democracy…Ahhhhh…Stinky. So the Battle for the Alberta Premier position is down to three - Jim Dinning, Ed Stelmach and Ted Morton. Lets call them Jimmy, Eddie, and Teddy. Debate is all about whether or not to join the PCs or not. I have chosen not to. Why? Let me outline why I am not joining.
One, it gives that party $5. Five bucks times 100,000 voters adds another half million dollars into the coffers of a party I really do not support. Two, picking the “lesser of the evils” is still picking “evil”. I don’t honestly think Jimmy, Eddie or Teddy really reflect what I want for Alberta nor do I think they actually reflect what PCs want either. Three, I am not wanting to get the dozens of weekly email updates and annual phone calls blitzing my already taxed emailbox and phone messagebox. Stop the electronic pollution! Fourth, you reap what you sow. Don’t be surprised if an organization you believe in gets inundated by a group of “outsiders” that what to “make change” or worse, elect the “lesser of the evils” (re: if you can’t beat ‘em, join ‘em). Call it karma - call it whatever - just do not be surprised if someone, some group crashes your party one day.
If you are going to vote in any election - especially one that is internalized for a party member, a leader - then follow it through. Go to every meeting, join committees, go the full mile. Do not go in half-assed. Better yet - spend your time 365 days each year writing letters, calling your elected reps and truly get involved. Understand what sphere of influence you belong to and start there. Elected one fool over another fool is truly a waste of your time if you do not actually participate in the “clubs”/political parties you sign up for.