We have a Federal election coming up in a few weeks? If you didn't know news flash we do...October 14th is the date. I am just amazed at how little we are hearing about the election. I find we are still being inundated with the news south of the border regarding the US election.
Well I am sorry, yes I know it is important to know what is going on in the world around us especially with our neighbours to the south being the US, but should that negate us losing or taking interest in what is going on in our own country?
I don't know about you,but I am really not hearing anything from any of the parties about what their political party plans are for the future of this country. I have heard snippets of Layton saying he would scrap the Soft lumber agreement, Dion and his Carbon Tax....and well waxy mortician like Harper is just trying to make us believe he is a family man. Have you seen any of those adds with Harper sitting in his wing backed chair talking about his fond memories of being a dad.....well that's just great Mr. Harper, now would you get on with improving the health of this country.
There are so many issues that aren't even being talked about. Like health care, education, child care, seniors issues and the list goes on. Where is all the public debate I haven't heard of one in my area. Seems like everyone is just keeping a tight lip and not saying anything.....well what good is that. For example I haven't heard a word out of the current Federal incumbent in my area ....I have seen his signs but not a word about his position on any topic or performing public appearances and doing town hall meetings. Nothing, Nada, zilch. I was talking with my husband the other day and saying how I really didn't know anything about this man...I don't know what he has done good or bad.. he is a non entity as far as I am concerned...I honestly can't tell you what he has done for his constituency and I am suppose to vote for him....I don't think so...but then I look at the other candidates and again I don't have a clue as to what their position is on health care for example. That is not like me. I generally know who the candidates are what their position is on certain topics etc....but this time no one is really getting out there and speaking up...and that worries me.
I wonder how many of my blogging friends south of the border even know that Canada has a Federal election coming up in just 2 weeks.....not many I suspect. I bet you more Canadians know about all of the nuances about the American candidates than they do about the candidates in their own riding. I mean look how we are being flooded with news about Pallin and her bizarre background and her pregnant daughter and McCain and his forgetfulness and will Obama has been in the limelight for over a year now...goodness....I bet more Canadians know more about American politics than they do of their own. Could you imagine the Americans having an election for the President in under a 2 month period.....never....dear god it took them over a year to determine who was going to be the leader of a party and now the race for presidency is on...which is really anti climatic if you ask me.
This brings me to another topic. How is it that the Canadian government can announce and hold a Federal election under 6 weeks! Yes the announcement for the Federal election came on September 7th and the election will be October 14th! This doesn't leave us much time to really find out much and or challenge the candidates on issues. What the politicians are saying is so vague....it really doesn't make them accountable for anything...now isn't that convenient. If you are at all interested here is a little news clip regarding the announcement of the Federal election and a very brief synopsis of what the leaders of each party are saying they will do for this country of ours....Canada election-call .
16 comments:
I can understand your frustration with little to no publicity about your own election and tons of stuff flying at you about ours. However, if you follow any of the news (how can you not, huh?) about our election, I don't think we are learning all that much even though we are being deluged with campaign ad after ad after ad -ad nauseum -for sure -and the content of these ads are all the same crapola, over and over too! Nothing new, nothing you can really sink your teeth into and learn what is really true, what is fluff to try to fool the voters into believing all the hype about the candidates. GIven a choice, I suppose I would rather have the continuous flow in the hopes that something that is truly newsworthy would come through, compared to getting no information, no opportunity to give and get feedback. And yes, it is pretty crazy that it takes the US so many months (years, actually) to determine who will be the candidates in our elections while you folks do it in such a short span of time. Does make you wonder why that is, doesn't it? I don't necessarily think it gives us the best candidates some times this way but, that's just my opinion there.
I understand your frustration, but frankly Harper will get back in and maybe a majority this time.
What bothers me mostly is the fact that the Americans spend billions of dollars hyping their primaries and candidates before the election when so many people could be helped out with food, shelter, and clothing. What a total waste of money!
We have lots of publicity about our upcoming Canadian election. Lots! Check out liberal.ca for example...or any of the candidate websites....Read online news.
Just be careful ....of the man in the fuzzy sweater, and we all know who that is. He will only get in if people vote for him.
btw - Harper broke his own law when he called this election.
For me, this is the third campaign in the past 3 years....the Feds on 2006, Ontario Provincial election last year and now again...and we wonder where the money goes...three guesses.
masgblog....well I am sure there is lots out there if I went and searched for it...question is..why should I have to search for it...it is their duty as politicians to provide us the tax payer and their voting constituent to keep us informed and to come to us and ask us what we think and how the country would be better off....sorry Harper waxy man sucks, Dion is a non issue and well Layton I just don't know...it's very sad....so what do I do...I look at my own area...who are my candidates...what is their platform...how are they going to work to make my community better...and sorry but non of them our out there saying a whole heck of a lot....I only just read today about a town hall meeting this coming Tuesday...unfortunately I am out of town that day....wouldn't you know it.....
rats..I was going to suggest that you attend the town hall. That's a great way to see all of the candidates in action...and then some.
we should talk....
but you are right...the candidates should be contacting you..somehow...we do all kinds of canfassing...email, phone, door knocking, mail...you name it...*tired*
I am pissed about this election call too, we left Canada September 2 and won't return until after the election. I called the Canadian Embassy in Athens and am told, sorry can't vote her" and that really makes me angry. I have been checking the net to see if I can find out anything about who is running in my riding other than the incumbent (who I can't stand) but am unable to get any information. Not that it matter I guess since I can't vote...ciao
I've heard about the election - but only because I have friends in Canada.
The US mainstream press is horrid about covering the rest of the world. Part of the American arrogance I always felt - as though we are the center of the universe.
And jeni makes a great point about the US election coverage. It is 24/7 but if you want to actually KNOW anything you have to do your own homework.
I hear ya, Mary Anne. It's the truth, isn't it? Global TV has been interviewing four candidates from each riding every morning at 7:45 a.m. but other than that, I have not heard much either.
Unfortunately, I think the Conservative government will be elected with a majority, because, let's face it, who wants to vote for Dion or Layton? Just like the Democrats in the US, the Libertals have chosen a leader who is completely unelectable anywhere west of Hull, Quebec. Harper is a westerner and he's tough on crime, and those are two things the folks in the west like.
As far as the candidate in my riding? I have not heard a thing. Nada.
I believe this is the worst time for any elections. Financial crisis, gas prices, real estate crisis/slowdown (in Canada), Afghanistan...All this things are appearing too fast and I am afraid it's ideal time for populism and quick "solutions" offered by politicians. And I think US election and Canadian election are bounded as never before (at least for Canadians)...
Take care
Julie
I think that's way too short of a time...we need longer then that to even figure out what the heck they are planning to do. Politician confuse me sometimes with what they are really saying...you know what I mean? They smooth talk it over.
Wow ! I AM surprised Canada is having a major election...how did you get away without months of non-stop ads of every type clogging networks, mail boxes, signs everywhere obstructing the view of important directional signs....see, there are some benefits to a quiet election process. But really, I agree with you, I too like to think I have some intelligent info on which to base my precious vote. Hope the information highway picks up the slack on what is lacking !
Thank-you for visiting my blog ! By the way, I love Canada....I especially love to listen to a few Canadian musicians. KathyB.
I haven't even seen any billboards or signs around my area. Have you, Mary Ann?
I see you have a similar problem we have here in the states trying to figure out what the candidate really stands for. I'm so sick of the spin..it makes my head spin.
Hope your alright by election day..
Dorothy from grammology
grammology.com
Now from just south of the boarder.
Personal I'm sick on how we run are campaign for any of our election.
The money they spend and the mud slinging.
Plus half truths out there about every candidate.
Our people who running for election pays millions on millions for advertisement on TV so the TV station makes out like a bandit.
I also have trouble with 2 party system here. Lot time I don't care for either person like our last presidential election so I pick less of the two evil and went with Kerry.
I have to say I'm not all that thrill about Obmama like a lot of people are.
There a good chance I'll cast my vote for him it depends on how well we doing against McCain.
Personally I think they should mail out all the voters basic information on where the candidates stand and have some debates.
Instead of a three ring circus.
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