Scorpio
Now I won’t pretend to have any significant political knowledge. I’ve only voted once right after I turned 18, just because I could. But I think that is precisely my point. Why would I vote? Half the time I don’t even know who’s running. Most politicians here in Canada seem interchangeable. I think there is an increased passiveness with young Canadian voters, and there are no Canadian Politicians who look to shake that up anytime soon.
When I sit in front of my television and watch Obama speak, I am so impressed with how relatable and personable he is. I find myself in awe that while I’m watching these debates and speeches, I’m actually interested. If you put Stephen Harper in front of me, I would zone out after a few moments before finding something more interesting to occupy my attention.
With Obama, I feel a sense of inspiration. It’s is a totally alien feeling to be inspired by someone in politics. It has never happened before for me personally, and it makes me wonder if this is how people felt about Pierre Trudeau. It’s just a shame that it has been nearly 25 years since Canada has had a politician we felt passionate about.
It’s still up in the air whether or not Obama will become the next President of the United States (I hope he will). But Obama has already scored a victory in that he has proved that politics can still inspire and unite people. The USA is lucky to have him, and Canadians should be jealous that we don’t.
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Comments
Re: I Wish We Had An Obama
By Bud Oracle (not verified), May 2, 2008 at 21:47Mike Small I'm with you! I have longed for a Northern version whom I call Snowbama.
I would like you to think about the vote next time, starting now. Keep paying attention to what's going on, stay current. It's your duty as a good citizen.
Our democracy doesn't guarantee you a prosperous future, a government to your liking. It guarantees its citizens that moment to sit in privacy and have a say. For it to work properly you must complete the circle of responsibility and vote.
Don't vote strategically, vote for whom you feel is the best choice. That way we will have a true make-up of the diversity of Canada.
Some people think we need a majority government, therefore they don't vote for whom they like, because they are under a false impression that they might "waste" their vote. There is no such thing as a wasted vote, if that is your choice.
Definitely think about the choices that you may be asked to make in relation to what you hear on the news, the impression that you receive. Don't vote according to someone else's choices, make your own.
Re: I Wish We Had An Obama
By Josh Sidman, February 6, 2008 at 21:51Wonderfully put, Mike! If we Americans screw this one up and fail to elect a guy with the potential to be a genuine statesman in favor of political hacks like Clinton or McCain, we will be ratifying the horrible mistakes of the past 8 years. We owe better to ourselves, and we owe better to the world...
Re: I Wish We Had An Obama
By renegade98, February 6, 2008 at 17:26Good thought provoking comments Mike, thanks. Here in the US, Barak Obama has inspired many Americans and given us hope that with change and with a new direction, that we can remake this nation into what it has been in the past. It's what America needs at this critical juncture in time if it is to have a chance of surviving a major collapse. American's may finally be waking up and I hope it's not to late because time is not on our side. The Bush administration has accelerated our descent into hell. What happens in the next few years may well determine whether we end up there.
Re: I Wish We Had An Obama
By Paul Sullivan, February 6, 2008 at 10:22Mike: Your comments here are interesting:
I’ve only voted once right after I turned 18, just because I could. But I think that is precisely my point. Why would I vote? Half the time I don’t even know who’s running. Most politicians here in Canada seem interchangeable. I think there is an increased passiveness with young Canadian voters, and there are no Canadian Politicians who look to shake that up anytime soon.
They lead me to ask: If you don't know who's running, how do you know what the politicians are like? Be careful you don't wake up to the day a real monster is elected by the tiny fraction of the electorate that bothers to vote! Exercise that franchise, man! Don't let it get flabby!
Paul Sullivan,
Editor-In-Chief
Re: I Wish We Had An Obama
By heidi, February 6, 2008 at 09:48It's as if you put my thoughts into words! I agree with everything you said, from our pride in hockey to the lack of Trudeau (or Obama) mania. The article is concise, succint, and well-written - I'm impressed! I'm also impressed with Obama for winning more states than Hillary :D
Re: I Wish We Had An Obama
By Brandon, February 5, 2008 at 15:24You'll feel better when Obama gets crushed in the election... if he makes it that far.