DEMOCRACY IN ACTION

 Today is Election Day in Canada… the election call came upon us suddenly; but, the true warriors were at the front ready to get equipped and ready to go on Day one. 

Volunteers came out of the woodwork and closets in droves, full of vim and vigour, gung-ho and excited to get the ball rolling, and to keep it rolling fast and smoothly for the full 36 days.

Office space was rented and supplies were ordered along with sign and brochure printing. Big sign wood was bought and cut to size ready for the first round of gigantic signs to be mounted in key spots throughout the constituency. All Candidates Debate dates were set early. Initially a skeleton crew was at the ready to do what needed to be done to raise the profile of their candidate. The crew grew and grew as the days unfolded.

Phone calls; door knocking; official opening of the office; special guest appearances to help boost morale; huge rallies for and with the Party Leader; issues management; media interviews; and, the all important mega use of all social media options. The crew learned quickly, worked collaboratively and cooperatively every single day, always looking at one goal — getting the candidate elected.

One very unique volunteer clocked nearly 110 km on her bicycle, donned with a campaign sign, clamped to her back storage bag. She cycled in and out of several  neighbourhood side roads and the two major roads criss crossing the constituency. The unusual sight caught the human eye resulting in many smiles, waves, thumbs up and friendly honks. When one rude man in a shiny black souped up truck drove alongside her and rolled down the passenger side window shouting profanities, she smiled and said “open your box, let in some fresh air, so you can discover the joy of breathing again!” That made him even madder as he burned rubber to escape the logical suggestion! She smiled, but held back her wave. 

He was clearly one of those people who was likely born sad, raised sad, lived sad, and was only feeling good when he made someone else sad — “sorry guy, it didn’t work!” 

A lot of those types hang out on social media too. They think they are incredibly intelligent with all the right answers and attitudes, and they go on and on, like parrots, often anonymously, making noise and not realizing how “special” they really are. They actually diminish the original intention of social media and democracy — which, sadly, is likely the happiest outcome for them. Silly people are just so sad.

On Election Day all any campaign worker can do is find an additional burst of energy to ensure their identified supporters get out and vote. Some voters may have forgotten. Some may not know where to vote. Others may need a ride. Every effort made to help is what it is — a hope, a dream coming true, the makings of a success story. 

And, when it’s all over,  no matter how it turns out, reality sets in, emotions run high, pride and praises fill the air, knowing the team did everything humanly possible to raise the flag of their candidate. The campaign and the election process portray the wave of democracy in action, and it’s truly a joy to be a part of it!

Tulip and Magnolia

  

TIME TO PAUSE AND PONDER

 I cradled a magnolia bloom in the palms of my hands on this Palm Sunday. It gave me cause to pause and think — two important traits that we tend to set aside a tad too often. Looking carefully at it as it basked under the warm sun rays, I could see why it’s called a tulip magnolia. They share similar features and behaviours; the bloom felt fragile and sentimental, yet strong and determined at the same time — a lot like a tulip.

I find that pausing and thinking go a long way in better understanding and appreciating the connection between Nature and humanity, and in developing peaceful, calming ways to enjoy respite away from what can sometimes be the busyness of earthly life. 

Happy Passover and Happy Palm Sunday to those who celebrate and recognize these significant reflective days. ☮️ ❤️ 🌹

ELECTION TIMES ARE ACHANGING

 FEDERAL ELECTION 2025

A lot of people, but at least fewer than before, ask me why I support the Federal Liberal Party. The reasons are aplenty.

At an early age, in British Columbia, I was bothered by the constant negativity about the federal Liberal Party in power, frequently in power. The rationale was related to central Canada having more voting power than us or a blatant venom about bilingualism getting recognition. 

If I asked anyone where in the political spectrum their mindset felt most comfortable, they simply could not answer. Elections to many of them seemed to be nothing but a personality battle, a hairstyle battle, a wardrobe battle, a last name battle, a geographical battle. It was just so sad. So very sad.

My western Canada federal Liberals never gave up highlighting the center of the spectrum …not too left wing, not too right wing. Just like a balanced teeter totter, our spot was right in the middle. To best serve a diverse society, the best form of governance could only come from the center. 

Happily the federal Liberal Party has governed very successfully… for many terms; but, sadly without much western Canada support.

This Election, however, is the first time in my four decades of support, I am feeling very optimistic. More British Columbians are seeing the bigger picture. They are realizing a sense of urgency on a global scale and stepping aside from the “me-me-me” in favour of “we-we-we” . 

This Election, I am supporting fresh air, a fresh new Liberal Leader, a fresh new approach, a fresh new team of like minded solid Canadians who have stepped to the plate to serve in public office on behalf of the entire country, all citizens, all provinces and territories.  

Yes, in this Election, I am supporting Mark Carney and the federal Liberal Party of Canada — they will best lead the way through handling the domestic and national impact of the current international crisis and keep us strong in our collective resolve to stand up for Canada.