Here in the western world we tend to take elections for granted. There is an apathy towards them, as we think that there really isn't much difference in the candidates, or the parties they represent. There is a saying that goes; "it doesn't matter who you vote for, you still end up with a politician". In my view of what happens in government, this seems to have more than a little bit of truth to it. My view has been formed by many years observing elections as a voter.
I have been watching over the last few months places like Egypt, Syria, Libya, Bahrain (just to name a few) where there are protests, or fighting, merely for the right to choose who leads them. People are turning out, violating the laws of their countries, in order to get change. They are fighting for a freedom that we take for granted. They want what we have here, yet some see elections as little more than a nuisance. Many don't pay attention to what is said during a campaign. What is worse, are people who merely vote for the party that Mummy or Daddy voted for, regardless of the policies of the party. This apathy sends the wrong message to not only those who wish to have this right, but also to those who wish to govern us. They see this apathy and think that they can do whatever it is they wish to do. If there is no oversight, they will do whatever they want, or whatever the special interest groups/corporations demand from their contributions. The oversight has to come from us, the voters. If we do not hold our elected officials accountable, who will?? I will tell you who will. It will be those who have invested millions into political contributions. Namely large corporations, unions and special interest groups. Each one will demand a return on it's investment. This return on investment may or may not be what's in the best interest of the people. After all it's the people who are the most important part of any country. We need to have a climate that is conducive to corporate prosperity, but it also has to allow people to live with a high standard of living. In my opinion the scales are swayed too much towards what special interests want, and not what is truly needed by the Country.
It's time for a revolution here in the western world. I'm not talking the taking up of arms here, just that we need to tell our leaders that they need to lead. We demand true electoral reform, like all political contributions being stripped of their tax deductible status. Corporations should be banned from contributing. In my opinion these will help remove the horse-collar from around the necks of our leaders, and allow them to concentrate on making the Country (or State, Province, community etc) a truly better place in which to live. Not one that is better only for a limited few. We need leaders who actually lead, not sycophants to business/special interests. We want parties to unveil their platforms at election time, and actually explain what they mean, and what each party is wanting to achieve. I want to know what their vision of the Country (State, Province etc) is. I don't want scare tactics that try to tell me what they think the other guys policies will mean to the Country. I want to know what yours mean, and what they will do for me, and the people as a whole. I want to be able to make a choice that is based on reason, and good policies, not one based on supposition, and scare tactics.
