What's Your Excuse?

To begin, I first have to acknowledge the inspiration a certain Proud and Unapologetic Winnipegger has been. During the past election, this individual ran a rock solid campaign which endeavored to defeat an incumbent minister. Unfortunately for Seine River, and for Manitoba, this individual did not win the election. He was a class act all the way until the end, conceding the election to the incumbent Minister of Health. His ability to run as a real contender until the final act of conceding commands respect, and he should rightfully be praised for a valiant effort. This loss is more like a set back, and with 4 more long, grueling years of NDP government, gives ample time to prepare for the 2011 election. We need an individual like this now, and especially in the years to come to attempt to repair the damage caused by not just 8 years, but by 12 years of NDP negligence.

Speaking on the election which closed yesterday, I am pleased and (incredibly) disappointed with the citizenry as a whole. Pleased in a sense that the voter turnout crept up slightly to 58%. Although voter turnout was slightly higher than 2003, and higher than the dismal turnout in the past mayoral election, it is nothing to brag about. 2003 marked one of the lowest voter turnout rates in provincial election history. A whopping 56% of voters went to the polls 4 years ago. Compare that with yesterday’s 58%. You’re telling me that ONLY 58% of people in this great western democracy of Canada, more specifically in this once great province of Manitoba do not exercise their rightful franchise? That is completely unacceptable.

There is only two, count them: 2 things, people have to do to live in this country. The first civic obligation is pay taxes. No amount of complaining will ever eliminate the need to pay a tax. Low taxes in Manitoba today (especially with the NDP victory on Tuesday) are as likely as Gary Doer admitting fault in the Crocus scandal. In fact, re-electing the NDP will increase the likelihood of paying higher taxes, for a longer period of time. Although some provinces enjoy greater prosperity and do not pay provincial tax, Manitoba is far from the same boat. Obviously the majority of Manitobans don’t believe paying less tax is important, as is evident by the re-election the NDP. The second civic obligation Manitobans should (should have to) do in order to live here is vote. Voting takes a maximum of 20 to 25 minutes out of the day, once every 4 years. Is it really too much effort for Manitobans to go to the polls and cast their ballot? Make an informed decision. For everyone’s sake, get out there, inform yourself and make a decision. Manitobans clearly do not realize exactly how important it is for every person to vote. For example – Bonnie Mitchelson in River East has won the election by 63 votes. Voting is such a simple task that must be done, that there is NO EXCUSE for Manitobans not to take part.

Let’s recapitulate.
2 civic obligations individuals must do to live in Canada:
1 - Pay tax
2 - Vote

Reality:
1 - Pay too much tax with little to no benefit of doing so and make it less viable for future governments to lower tax rates
2 - 58% of the population voted on May 22 in the provincial election

Maybe people need more encouragement to vote. After all, voter turnout in Afghanistan for the legislative assembly was just over 50%. Sound familiar Manitoba? Here is the difference: Some Afghans have an excuse – They could be killed. What’s your excuse?

What could possibly motivate Manitobans to get out to their respective polls and vote? I thought the answer was 8 years of NDP government. By winning the election, the NDP have consequently and inadvertently given Manitobans an even better reason to get out to the polls in 2011: 12 years of NDP Government!