While as a reporter, one is to remain unbiased and without opinion in the news stories they write about, it is also favoured to not take a side when it comes to politics and political parties. Fair enough. However, as a columnist, one can express their opinion more freely and while it is still frowned upon to take political sides some venture into that dangerous territory. Not being one who likes to walk that fragile line, I rarely form decisive assumptions in this area for two reasons. One, as I have stated previously, I really don’t like politics; and two, I am still waiting for the politician that can make me say, wow, they are everything I want in a leader.
Yet, with all that is going on in Canada and the world today there is one thing I believe in wholeheartedly: everyone should vote. To me that means anyone over the age of 18 that is legally entitled to cast a ballot in this country, should do just that. I am also a big believer that the youth of this world are the future and it is extremely important to get them involved by voting as soon as they are entitled.
With that said, imagine my surprise to learn that Conservative Clay Harmon refused to participate in any of the local high school debates and election forums. I was informed that his campaign manager said it was because that this is not where the votes are. While this may be true on many levels, shouldn’t they be doing whatever they can to encourage our young voters to get out and get involved? Isn’t this where the next leaders of this country come from? Shouldn’t the current leaders want to inspire this next generation? I have sent an email to Mr. Harmon to ask about this myself but as of deadline, I had not gotten a response.
Now with all this aside, I don’t think it is against the rules to share with people what I feel are some of the important issues in this next election.
For starters, I would be honestly impressed if someone said they would not only demolish the HST but how about reduce the insane amount of tax on our gas? We already hear party leaders talking about the necessity to bring more money back to education and health care and that, to me, is stating the obvious. Yes, we need more money for both, but how can we be assured the party elected will keep their promises? We can’t really. I would love to hear some of these leaders vying for our votes come up with some new and creative plans to better our economical situation in the north without putting the land we live on at risk. I should also add that I have more respect for someone who uses my time to talk about new ideas and a way to make our country a better place instead of wasting my time by telling me what the other leaders are doing wrong.
I could go on and on but really, the message I want to share is this: vote, vote, vote! If you are eligible, please take the time to make a difference, every person counts. I would also like to send a message out to the politicians: every person matters, every vote counts and while I know it is impossible to please all the people all the time, be creative, think on a wider scale, don’t diss your opponents and while I know it is not common with politics, be honest.
Shannon Hurst writes the weekly My Town column.