It's time to decide not only who to vote for but whether to vote at all. The party leaders are paraded before us in their best attire while they are pilloried by each other at the same time. We're to believe that one of them is worth voting for. Our vote is valued insomuch as it means their future as a representative of their riding. It's the only time we are begged to get involved in the government. The rest of the time we're to simply nod and smile when decisions are made that affect our lives, whether economically or socially.
I follow politics closely. I'm fascinated by how human nature shows its true colours at election time. Potential "leaders" butt heads to establish whether or not they will lead the "flock" for the next while. The "sheep" look on in awe, or with disdain, as the potential suitors promote their attributes or attack their competitors.
So, what to do? Does my vote really make any difference? If I vote for the Green Party am I casting my vote to the wind? If I vote for the ruling party, will I gain some kind of merit or be treated special by the party I supported? If I cheer for the Blue Jays and they lose, have I wasted my energy? If I cheer for them and they win, have I made the difference?
I saw the first game of the Blue Jays/Rangers game and noticed some fans crossing their fingers hoping that that would be enough to give the Jays a win. It didn't work.
So, I'm wondering? Is voting merely a feel good exercise that gives me a little bit of hope? Does it keep my faith in the system alive so that I can face the fact that what I have to say is almost less than negligible? Perhaps it's like prayer. I pray to my god with the understanding that my requests might be heard and somehow honored. When my prayers aren't answered (my vote doesn't elect my candidate) I feel cheated and sometimes want to blame my god (the government) for not fulfilling my wishes. My faith needs to be strong to believe that my prayers (my votes) will make a difference.
So, that's what it is then? Faith in a system that I know is failing may just turn it around and make it into a caring, responsible, accountable body of people who act as representatives of the people? Okay, now I'm dreaming!
Keep up the faith, or all is lost!
