My predictions on elections are always wrong. I let my bias get in the way. I usually get the local feeling right, but I have trouble predicting what people in other regions might be thinking. I don't do enough research about other localities.
But I don't think anyone really predicted the results on Monday night's election. Sure, Tories were predicting a Conservative majority and ND's were predicting they would win at least the opposition, but few people could have predicted that Liberals would lose so many seats or that the NDP would sweep Quebec so completely. This is what makes elections so much fun and why I am such a junkie. Canadian elections are truly an example of local level decision making carrying over to the macro level. For me, its better than watching a sports final because it has so much more relevant to our lives than sport.
Now, as a former Liberal and a Anything But Harper voter, one would think I might be quite disappointed with the election results. But that's the will of the people. I learnt long ago that I don't carry the same opinions as everyone else, but democracy is democracy. Sometimes democracy is about consensus making and sometimes its about bold leadership. But the common thread is the ability for anyone in the society to say what they want and to make a decision about who they want to represent them.
So I will watch this government. I will criticisize this government. Sometimes I might even agree. In the next four years I hope that another party will start saying things that other Western Canadians will listen to. It took 20 years for the Quebecers to open their ears, hopefully it won't be that much longer for Western Canadians to open theirs. Enjoy your 4 years Harper, with luck, they will be your last.
Wednesday, May 4, 2011
Monday, May 2, 2011
I respected the blackout and my predictions before I tune in
Canada has a quirky little election law that was created because of our vast size and to try and to keep the vote free from the influence of others. It is against the law to report election results from one time zone where the polls have close to another where they have not closed yet. Now, this is becoming hard to police in the digital age, but most outlets respect it and so do I. I think the anticipation is fun. Its part of election day. Its a most certain deadline that when you turn on the tv or start surfing you will be updated about the results at the same time as just about everyone else.
So a quick prediction before I start surfing - Conservative minority with an NDP official opposition. But who knows, this night might be full of surprises. I hope it is.
My twitter feed is @trvthseeker78 and I will be tweeting after 8pm MST.
So a quick prediction before I start surfing - Conservative minority with an NDP official opposition. But who knows, this night might be full of surprises. I hope it is.
My twitter feed is @trvthseeker78 and I will be tweeting after 8pm MST.
Wednesday, April 27, 2011
Giving up on the Federal Liberals
Since I was 18 years old I have been a member of the Federal Liberal party. During the late 90's and early 2000's I was very active in the Young Liberals, both provincial and federal. I was a Liberal in Alberta and I was proud of it. But things have changed. It was a gradual change, not one event changed the party in Alberta, but since Paul Martin, I feel the federal party has given up on Alberta. And Albertans have given on the Liberal Party.
This election exemplifies it. In Red Deer they needed to parachute in a candidate from Edmonton - Andrew Lineker. A guy who placed 7 out of 8 in the Edmonton mayoral election. While he might have good credentials in another riding, he has none in Red Deer (although I doubt it since he place so low in the Edmonton mayoral). Now, I understand the need for a parachute candidates, but Red Deer is a major city in Alberta. Our city council is actually quite progressive. But the party has done nothing to build up support here. I have talked to my old friends and they agree that besides for a few targetted ridings in Calgary and Edmonton, the Liberals are not nominating quality candidates.
Now, to be a candidate is not an easy thing. My hat goes off to anyone who tries their hand at it. But, as my years of training in the Young Liberals have shown me, some people make good candidates, others don't. Campaigning is certainly a skill you can learn, but as the people's representative you need to have a vision that matches the people you wish to represent. People need to buy into that vision because it speaks to them.
Earl Dreeshen is a good candidate. But he follows the Tory party line far too closely (although I'm not sure if he has a choice). Harper runs counter to what I believe this country can accomplish, so I cannot vote for him. Ignatieff is alright and if there was a worthwhile candidate here in Red Deer, I would consider voting Liberal again. Now, like a lot of Canadians Layton has caught my attention. I can at least stomach his vision, although I am not sure what he will do economically, especially with our most important economic engine - the oil sands. But the NDP candidate here in Red Deer, Stuart Sommerville, appears to be a pleasant young man. I haven't been able to go to the forums but I've been reading what he has to say and it works for me.
So for this election, I believe I am going to vote NDP. Now, this won't have any effect on the results in Red Deer. The tories have a lock here. But I am still expressing my voice. And I am saying 'GET A CLUE LIBERAL PARTY OF CANADA!'.
This election exemplifies it. In Red Deer they needed to parachute in a candidate from Edmonton - Andrew Lineker. A guy who placed 7 out of 8 in the Edmonton mayoral election. While he might have good credentials in another riding, he has none in Red Deer (although I doubt it since he place so low in the Edmonton mayoral). Now, I understand the need for a parachute candidates, but Red Deer is a major city in Alberta. Our city council is actually quite progressive. But the party has done nothing to build up support here. I have talked to my old friends and they agree that besides for a few targetted ridings in Calgary and Edmonton, the Liberals are not nominating quality candidates.
Now, to be a candidate is not an easy thing. My hat goes off to anyone who tries their hand at it. But, as my years of training in the Young Liberals have shown me, some people make good candidates, others don't. Campaigning is certainly a skill you can learn, but as the people's representative you need to have a vision that matches the people you wish to represent. People need to buy into that vision because it speaks to them.
Earl Dreeshen is a good candidate. But he follows the Tory party line far too closely (although I'm not sure if he has a choice). Harper runs counter to what I believe this country can accomplish, so I cannot vote for him. Ignatieff is alright and if there was a worthwhile candidate here in Red Deer, I would consider voting Liberal again. Now, like a lot of Canadians Layton has caught my attention. I can at least stomach his vision, although I am not sure what he will do economically, especially with our most important economic engine - the oil sands. But the NDP candidate here in Red Deer, Stuart Sommerville, appears to be a pleasant young man. I haven't been able to go to the forums but I've been reading what he has to say and it works for me.
So for this election, I believe I am going to vote NDP. Now, this won't have any effect on the results in Red Deer. The tories have a lock here. But I am still expressing my voice. And I am saying 'GET A CLUE LIBERAL PARTY OF CANADA!'.
Thursday, April 21, 2011
Finally a reboot!
I let this blog languish for a while. I just couldn't find the inspiration to write. But I've been contemplating my values for the last while and I knew that in order to better follow what I believe, I needed to express myself. The final kick in the pants came when I heard a radio host that I quite like to listen (Chad Daniels from the Zed Drive Home) say that he wasn't going to vote. Finally, my muse woke up. Now I just gotta keep it talking.
I made a really good decision to move from Edmonton to Red Deer. For my career, it was a definite step up. For my family, it was a step in tune to our values. The other night I took my boy swimming at the Dawe Centre. I was a bit nervouse that we would be pushed out by swimming lessons and adults trying to do laps in the pool. But the renos at the Dawe have done wonders for the old place. I wasn't the only dad bringing his child at 6pm on a weeknight. Ben even played ball with a boy his age. Yes, the swimming lessons were present, but it felt like a family place. In Edmonton I wasn't far from Grant McEwan, but the times I went swimming, we were the only family in the pool. Other places we went were dominated by teenagers that failed to see the toddler in the wading end of the pool. But even the Collicut Centre has plenty of young kids playing with their parents while the teenagers enjoy the wave pool.
So I want to contribute back to Red Deer. I want to get the discussion going about this great city. I'm going to try and write something at least once a week. I'm also on Twitter @trvthseeker78. Red Deer is not alone in this big country and small world, so I welcome those from around the world to also contribute. We should all be proud of where we are from, and this is why I am writing.
I made a really good decision to move from Edmonton to Red Deer. For my career, it was a definite step up. For my family, it was a step in tune to our values. The other night I took my boy swimming at the Dawe Centre. I was a bit nervouse that we would be pushed out by swimming lessons and adults trying to do laps in the pool. But the renos at the Dawe have done wonders for the old place. I wasn't the only dad bringing his child at 6pm on a weeknight. Ben even played ball with a boy his age. Yes, the swimming lessons were present, but it felt like a family place. In Edmonton I wasn't far from Grant McEwan, but the times I went swimming, we were the only family in the pool. Other places we went were dominated by teenagers that failed to see the toddler in the wading end of the pool. But even the Collicut Centre has plenty of young kids playing with their parents while the teenagers enjoy the wave pool.
So I want to contribute back to Red Deer. I want to get the discussion going about this great city. I'm going to try and write something at least once a week. I'm also on Twitter @trvthseeker78. Red Deer is not alone in this big country and small world, so I welcome those from around the world to also contribute. We should all be proud of where we are from, and this is why I am writing.
Monday, April 18, 2011
Self-Fulfilling Prophecy
I listen to Zed 99 in Red Deer, especially on the drive home (for a total of like 7 minutes) b/c I like the two deejays - Drock and Daniels. Chad Daniels is a guy around my age, and he's a pretty good voice and the chemistry with the two guys makes me smile. But today, he disappointed me. Today he said he wasn't going to vote.
Now, I've heard the arguements that this election isn't going to matter. And by all indications we will probably end up with another Tory minority and go to the polls yet again in 2 more years (or less). The race in Red Deer is a foregone conclusion. I'm hearing from everyone that they are fed up with the antics in Ottawa or Edmonton or Washington DC. People want change. People may disagree with the type of change they want, but they still want it. But without expressing our voice in and outside of the campaign, this just becomes grumbling. Without quality candidates running for the parties, incumbents walk right past the post and into the House of Commons.
But elections have a way to surprise us. It is the people's voice after all, and if enough people speak up, they will be heard. But instead, people are looking at this election as a waste of time. It could be an opportunity. It could be an opportunity to tell the status quo that we are not happy. But instead people are sitting on the couch instead, more interested in the playoffs than the future of health care, or ethics in government, or the environment.
So, here is to Election 2011 - a self-fulfilling prophecy!
Now, I've heard the arguements that this election isn't going to matter. And by all indications we will probably end up with another Tory minority and go to the polls yet again in 2 more years (or less). The race in Red Deer is a foregone conclusion. I'm hearing from everyone that they are fed up with the antics in Ottawa or Edmonton or Washington DC. People want change. People may disagree with the type of change they want, but they still want it. But without expressing our voice in and outside of the campaign, this just becomes grumbling. Without quality candidates running for the parties, incumbents walk right past the post and into the House of Commons.
But elections have a way to surprise us. It is the people's voice after all, and if enough people speak up, they will be heard. But instead, people are looking at this election as a waste of time. It could be an opportunity. It could be an opportunity to tell the status quo that we are not happy. But instead people are sitting on the couch instead, more interested in the playoffs than the future of health care, or ethics in government, or the environment.
So, here is to Election 2011 - a self-fulfilling prophecy!
Sunday, June 6, 2010
'Do what you gotta do, and always have a plan b'
An older friend once told me 'Jason, you need two things in life to succeed, discipline and a plan b'. Now I have held these words of wisdom close to my heart. But I would not consider myself a 'disciplined' person. For those very few people that follow this blog, you will notice that.
These past two months have been hectic. I had my name in two different job competitions, I have been trying to list and sell my condo and I have had to deal with a number of other personal issues (including the birh of my nephew - that was cool!). I found out this week that I got one of the positions and this requires me to move my family to Red Deer. We are quite happy with the new position and the prospect of moving 150km south to where I grew up. On my walks to work this week my mind is going through everything we need to do in the next two weeks before I transfer positions. But it is clear that there things that I have to do (like finding a place to sleep while we wait for the family to move down), and there are other things that I have no control over (like selling my condo). So I decided this week to update these words to live by to 'Do what you gotta do, and always have a plan b'.
I drive my wife crazy with all my planning. For any given situation, I often have plans b to q. But you never know what life is going to throw your way. You need to be prepared and you have to be flexible. There are also things you need to do in order to move your life forward. You need to make decisions and you need to stand by them. I can't expect to get a new job without applying and I can't expect my house to clean itself. Sometimes you can procrastinate, but sometimes you just have to do it if you want to move forward.
I don't know yet what I want to do with this blog. My current topic of 'Alberta culture' just isn't inspiring me. I am debating to move onto one of two topics. One is Red Deer current events. I could find very few blogs related to Red Deer. The other topic I have been contemplating is comic books. I enjoy superhero comic books, and I am a casual reader. So I am debating whether or not to start writing about comic books from the stand point of a casual reader.
So as my life gets into order I need to make a decision about this blog. I enjoy blogging. I like people reading my stuff and commenting on it. But if I want people to read my blog, then I need write in my blog. I just gotta find a way to do it.
These past two months have been hectic. I had my name in two different job competitions, I have been trying to list and sell my condo and I have had to deal with a number of other personal issues (including the birh of my nephew - that was cool!). I found out this week that I got one of the positions and this requires me to move my family to Red Deer. We are quite happy with the new position and the prospect of moving 150km south to where I grew up. On my walks to work this week my mind is going through everything we need to do in the next two weeks before I transfer positions. But it is clear that there things that I have to do (like finding a place to sleep while we wait for the family to move down), and there are other things that I have no control over (like selling my condo). So I decided this week to update these words to live by to 'Do what you gotta do, and always have a plan b'.
I drive my wife crazy with all my planning. For any given situation, I often have plans b to q. But you never know what life is going to throw your way. You need to be prepared and you have to be flexible. There are also things you need to do in order to move your life forward. You need to make decisions and you need to stand by them. I can't expect to get a new job without applying and I can't expect my house to clean itself. Sometimes you can procrastinate, but sometimes you just have to do it if you want to move forward.
I don't know yet what I want to do with this blog. My current topic of 'Alberta culture' just isn't inspiring me. I am debating to move onto one of two topics. One is Red Deer current events. I could find very few blogs related to Red Deer. The other topic I have been contemplating is comic books. I enjoy superhero comic books, and I am a casual reader. So I am debating whether or not to start writing about comic books from the stand point of a casual reader.
So as my life gets into order I need to make a decision about this blog. I enjoy blogging. I like people reading my stuff and commenting on it. But if I want people to read my blog, then I need write in my blog. I just gotta find a way to do it.
Monday, March 1, 2010
Friends with the elephant
Albertans are often accused of being the 'most American' province of Canada. Which is rather interesting, since many other parts of Canada have population centres much closer to American population centres. I don't know if it's right to compare one part of this country 'more American' since as Canadians we have a relationship with the US that we cannot escape just by virtue of geography.
The United States is a bit of a bogeyman in Canada. It is hard to ignore the world's most significant superpower. Canadians have a fear that we are continually overshadowed by our neighbour. That perhaps, this monolith to the south will someday just gobble us up. A lot of Canadians feel that our culture in Canada is overshadowed by the States. Americans are sometimes maligned here - anyone working in tourism has met the 'American tourist' and dread the obnoxious, ignorant, gas guzzling RV driver. I saw it once myself, just overhearing a conversation. The girl working the booth in Radium said she didn't live in the town, she lived the next town over, and the American asked'Oh, you live in Calgary?'. Calgary is a two hour drive, through very dense mountains. Not exactly the easiest road for a commute. The absurdity is easy for a Canadian to identify and it does lead to some smugness on the part of the Canadians.
I've also noticed some disparaging remarks in the American media about Canada. From our health care system to our aloofness to just showing Canadians as 'slow', the Americans like to make fun of Canadians.
The Vancouver Olympics were amazing. Much has been said about the outpouring of national pride, including my last blog post. But I saw something else in these Olympics, something a bit more subtle. I saw a recognition among Canadians and Americans that we are indeed friends. By virtue of geography, language, history and geopolitics, we are neighbors and so we might as well get along.
The final hockey game was a great competition against two very good hockey teams. But it was more than that. Whenever I saw Americans and Canadians sharing the podium together, they did so with hugs and handshakes. Americans cheered for Canadian athletes when they were the favorite in a sport and Canadians did vice versa. Oprah couldn't bring enough Canadian athletes onto her show during the Olympics. Of course many American tourists visited Vancouver during the games, so this was a great chance for them to partake in festivities. And they did so not as adversaries, but as friends. And for me, this is a great success.
Canada and the States are two countries that have a long shared history of cooperation. Things have soured a bit after 9/11, but I really think this Olympics re-established a line of communication and friendship that underlies our long border. Through cooperation, we can show that two countries can work together without sarcrificing our culture and values. There are still differences between our two nations, but there is also a lot similarities that allow us to share a jug of beer and sing our respective anthems together.
The United States is a bit of a bogeyman in Canada. It is hard to ignore the world's most significant superpower. Canadians have a fear that we are continually overshadowed by our neighbour. That perhaps, this monolith to the south will someday just gobble us up. A lot of Canadians feel that our culture in Canada is overshadowed by the States. Americans are sometimes maligned here - anyone working in tourism has met the 'American tourist' and dread the obnoxious, ignorant, gas guzzling RV driver. I saw it once myself, just overhearing a conversation. The girl working the booth in Radium said she didn't live in the town, she lived the next town over, and the American asked'Oh, you live in Calgary?'. Calgary is a two hour drive, through very dense mountains. Not exactly the easiest road for a commute. The absurdity is easy for a Canadian to identify and it does lead to some smugness on the part of the Canadians.
I've also noticed some disparaging remarks in the American media about Canada. From our health care system to our aloofness to just showing Canadians as 'slow', the Americans like to make fun of Canadians.
The Vancouver Olympics were amazing. Much has been said about the outpouring of national pride, including my last blog post. But I saw something else in these Olympics, something a bit more subtle. I saw a recognition among Canadians and Americans that we are indeed friends. By virtue of geography, language, history and geopolitics, we are neighbors and so we might as well get along.
The final hockey game was a great competition against two very good hockey teams. But it was more than that. Whenever I saw Americans and Canadians sharing the podium together, they did so with hugs and handshakes. Americans cheered for Canadian athletes when they were the favorite in a sport and Canadians did vice versa. Oprah couldn't bring enough Canadian athletes onto her show during the Olympics. Of course many American tourists visited Vancouver during the games, so this was a great chance for them to partake in festivities. And they did so not as adversaries, but as friends. And for me, this is a great success.
Canada and the States are two countries that have a long shared history of cooperation. Things have soured a bit after 9/11, but I really think this Olympics re-established a line of communication and friendship that underlies our long border. Through cooperation, we can show that two countries can work together without sarcrificing our culture and values. There are still differences between our two nations, but there is also a lot similarities that allow us to share a jug of beer and sing our respective anthems together.
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)
