For those who don’t know, don’t care, or aren’t from around here, we’re heading into a Provincial election here in Ontario.  For those in the US, that’s the State level.  For the rest of the world, it’s important to us, but likely most of the world won’t be greatly impacted by it.  Locally though, it’s a big deal.

If you’re new to this blog, I’ll get you up to speed quick.  I’m a big fan of social justice.  i think corporations have an obligation too be good citizens too.  I support social programming.and helping those who need it.  All of which is to say, I don’t generally vote for the Conservatives.  I used to vote Liberal because I didn’t want the PCs to get in.  That thinking changed with the changes Jack Layton brought to the federal NDP in the last election.

This time, I’m going to vote my values.  So far, that looks like voting for Andrea Horwath’s NDP.  If nothing else, her refusal to play gutter politics is very refreshing.  I also like the NDP plan to offer tax breaks to companies who hire and train new employees.  That’s an idea that directly rewards them for being “good corporate citizens”.  Sounds good to me.

Up until now, I’ve been voting Phil McNeely, My local Liberal MPP.  He’s done some good things for my local community, so it’s going to be hard for me to change.  On the other hand, the party as a whole leaves something to be desired.  The decision I have to make before election day is simple.  Do I vote for Phil because he’s good for me locally, or do I look at the bigger picture and hope Mx. Horwath lives up to her potential.

Decisions, decisions……  I’m just happy that I’m fortunate enough to live somewhere that I get to make them.  I can go to the polls without anyone threatening me or trying to kill me.  Once I cast my ballot, I am reasonably confident of a accurate count and legitimate winner.  If more people realized how rare and precious those things are in the world, maybe we’d see a better voter turn-out.

Instead, the pathetically apathetic non-voters will sit on their brains and waste one of the greatest privileges in our society.  You don’t have to vote in Canada.  Your also don’t have to eat, breath or not step in front of a bus.  None of those are any stupider than not voting.

I’ll close for now because I’ve got to go and do some pre-election homework.  See my fellow Ontarians at the polls.

Cheers, Winston