“How Would YOU Like To Make History?”

As we travel through the web of election propaganda I find myself challenged to comprehend the mixed messages from Canadians. We have listened to the promises, the spin, the media hype for several decades. Canadians respond in anger and frustration about the lack of accountability. They express their concerns that the government is out of touch with voters, out of touch with reality and unwilling to listen. They complain at length that their needs are not met and that government only serves itself. I have participated in the process as I search for ways to participate in democracy. My first political and public statement was to stand up against Lockheed Martin’s involvement in our census. My second was speaking by invitation for the Council of Canadians at my local library, against our involvement in BMD. These were introductions to media bias and censoring of dissenting voices. The more I saw that not all voices would be permitted in this so called democracy, the louder my voice became. My involvement in politics has spiraled and I joined a grassroots party dedicated to Canadian Sovereignty. Grassroots parties are encouraged and sought by Canadians with a hope that Canadians’ voices will be heard and that positive action, for the betterment of the people, will be taken. Do we hope in vain? Do we hope for something we believe is unattainable? Are we succumbing to the manipulation, we have been subjected to? Can we really shed the old ways? The very foundation of North American lives has been designed, re-designed and then refined to the point where the vast majority of folks hold opinions implanted and not their own. The so called education system has played a major role in this deception. It seems that any ‘authority figure’ is taken to be a truth speaker, even in the face of transparent evidence to the contrary. I have written many letters to leaders of the prominent political parties in Canada, and never received a reply from one of them. I have never received a reply from the President or any member of the executive of any of these parties. I have never read an opinion from one of them, or seen them discuss, listen to or accept criticism from the people in a forum. Now I think I know why. Familiarity breeds contempt. We have placed our politicians away from us. We do so in order to keep our criticism safe. We can call them names without any fear that they might defend themselves. We know they will not defend their policy as they never have been willing to participate in open debate. Can we bring government to us in order for government to be us? I would welcome Mr. Harper, Mr. Martin, Mr. Duceppe or Mr. Layton, if they took the time to post or discuss the issues with Canadians. They certainly could as we know they have the paid staff to do everything else! Connie Fogal, Leader of Canadian Action Party, has made her views known to Canadians, she reveals all she knows in the hopes of sparking enough enthusiasm to save Canada. Not all Canadians seem ready for that intimate dialogue. So the questions have to be, do the people of Canada really want to discuss with leaders? Do they want interaction. Or do they want what they have had all along? The ability to have the press spin and the people try to find the truth within the spin, only to follow that, with criticism of the spin. Is it just a game? Are solutions not the goal? Is the complaint that leaders are too far removed from the people, but an observation, not a concern to be addressed? Are the secret backroom deals better kept secret? If any of the other leaders posted an opinion on a forum, and accepted criticism or discussed opposing views, they would no longer be up on the distant pedestal. Would that be uncomfortable? Would that be a violation of the public domain? Do we want to continue to support a class system, which reflects an attitude of, ‘The place where peasants discuss is no place for political leaders to post’! In conclusion grassroots, or democracy, for and by the people may be a myth. Or it may be that we are so programmed that we reject the path that will take us to our goal. We say we want participatory democracy, parliamentary reform, accountability, transparency, consultation and sometimes even referendum. Do we really want it? Or are we actually struggling to make the system we have work so that we can free ourselves from really being involved. The Canada I aspire to be part of is open, transparent and accountable directly to the people. It supports people at every stage of life in a healthy environment. Government is free to govern in the best interest of the people. There are no laws or agreements, which impede the freedoms of people. All corporations thrive by acting responsibly and have no adverse impact on the environment or the people. Future generations will not be struggling under $500 billion in debt. All that I speak of is possible. Do Canadians seek real change? Do we want to end poverty? Do we want to influence, participate and be involved in democracy? Change is possible but we must open our minds to it, and take the necessary steps towards it now! Full participatory democracy is possible, if we are aware enough to raise our hand towards it! Let’s make some history! [Proofreader's note: this article was edited for spelling and typos on December 28, 2005]