To have to label an argument so quickly without time to ponder on suggestions made me think that perhaps it would be helpful to explain my perspective.
Today, I want to point out the one challenge democracy faces in attempting to materialize within the context of our Federal Election.
As Canadians cry out for democracy, as the Conservative government continuing assault on justice and transparency is reported almost at an hourly rate, the focus becomes more and more on the shortcomings of parties and their leaders and on a generally accepted definition of democracy.
Democracy in general is celebrated. We focus on defeating a government that has been found in contempt. We cry "Democracy". But what troubles me is that while we cry demanding it, we often forget it's very prerequisites. Assuming democracy will restore itself following the defeat of Stephen Harper is no only incorrect but also concerning especially when the federal election won by the opposition is considered as the ultimate victory.
This election is indeed important; the most important election since I have arrived in Canada. There are encouraging patterns emerging from the youth voters and their voices committed to democratic change. This has to be celebrated in itself as a victory, but again, not the ultimate one.
Democracy can be achieved. But in order to do so, you and I have to roll up our sleeves and start working. The real work will begin after the elections. It was a professor of mine who mentioned that democracy as a concept represent quite the difficulty in addressing real needs and change. The reason is probably that there is no democratic definition of the concept itself. He encouraged us to perhaps consider social justice as a more practical concept for social change.
Within the established electoral system and practices, there are those who are neglected, those whose voices will not be heard. Apathy is a concerning factor: people have been so disillusioned with the way politics is materialized in their daily lives that some just do not participate. But there are other Canadians who do not have the same priorities you and I enjoy in order to fully participate. Here are some and you are more than welcome to add more profiles of individuals or groups whose voices have been forgotten:
- Canadians who are working hard to make ends meet, those who are trying to escape foreclosures, those who are single parents working more than full times jobs to pay their rent, food, and heat: these people are often not aware of the election issues that are taking place. I myself was quick to judge those uninformed but I have come to realize with shame that some people just do not have the time or resources to get informed. Imagine having to work a full time job and part time positions. All the time left you have is for the family and to recover for another 16 hours of work.
- Canadians who are homeless unless they have an organization working with them are not registered voters. They lack voters information and the lack of an established address prevent them from voting. I do not see our leaders addressing them; I don't see campaigns on the streets concentrated with homelessness.
In my perspective, these are two major groups that would definitely benefit from proactive electoral participation. Circumstances preventing them thus should be very closely studies. Then, we all come to the realization that a form of economic equality would provide the time and resources for all Canadians to democratically participate in our political arena.
POVERTY is the epitome of an undemocratic society. In order to have an effective democracy, we need to address issues of poverty at the local, regional, provincial and national level.
We need to redefine democracy embedding within it a sense of urgency in addressing poverty and marginalization of Canadians. How can we create a society where all Canadians enjoy an established minimum level of economic equality?
Your input is very important. Lets work for real change at our individual level. What can we do about poverty today and tomorrow. Tell me.
This election is indeed important; the most important election since I have arrived in Canada. There are encouraging patterns emerging from the youth voters and their voices committed to democratic change. This has to be celebrated in itself as a victory, but again, not the ultimate one.
Democracy can be achieved. But in order to do so, you and I have to roll up our sleeves and start working. The real work will begin after the elections. It was a professor of mine who mentioned that democracy as a concept represent quite the difficulty in addressing real needs and change. The reason is probably that there is no democratic definition of the concept itself. He encouraged us to perhaps consider social justice as a more practical concept for social change.
Within the established electoral system and practices, there are those who are neglected, those whose voices will not be heard. Apathy is a concerning factor: people have been so disillusioned with the way politics is materialized in their daily lives that some just do not participate. But there are other Canadians who do not have the same priorities you and I enjoy in order to fully participate. Here are some and you are more than welcome to add more profiles of individuals or groups whose voices have been forgotten:
- Canadians who are working hard to make ends meet, those who are trying to escape foreclosures, those who are single parents working more than full times jobs to pay their rent, food, and heat: these people are often not aware of the election issues that are taking place. I myself was quick to judge those uninformed but I have come to realize with shame that some people just do not have the time or resources to get informed. Imagine having to work a full time job and part time positions. All the time left you have is for the family and to recover for another 16 hours of work.
- Canadians who are homeless unless they have an organization working with them are not registered voters. They lack voters information and the lack of an established address prevent them from voting. I do not see our leaders addressing them; I don't see campaigns on the streets concentrated with homelessness.
In my perspective, these are two major groups that would definitely benefit from proactive electoral participation. Circumstances preventing them thus should be very closely studies. Then, we all come to the realization that a form of economic equality would provide the time and resources for all Canadians to democratically participate in our political arena.
POVERTY is the epitome of an undemocratic society. In order to have an effective democracy, we need to address issues of poverty at the local, regional, provincial and national level.
We need to redefine democracy embedding within it a sense of urgency in addressing poverty and marginalization of Canadians. How can we create a society where all Canadians enjoy an established minimum level of economic equality?
Your input is very important. Lets work for real change at our individual level. What can we do about poverty today and tomorrow. Tell me.
Below, some articles related to poverty tweeted this morning.
Report by UN agencies highlights food crisis in Democratic People's Republic of Korea http://www.unicef.org/infobycountry/korea_58239.html?utm_source=twitterfeed&utm_medium=twitter
During Recession, Suicide Rate Is Up http://www.huffingtonpost.com/2011/04/15/recession-suicide_n_849632.html?ir=Business
Shallow Government Response to Poverty Report, says Citizens for Public Justice http://www.cpj.ca/en/shallow-government-response-poverty-report-says-citizens-public-justice
Lack of funds threatens UN food aid to millions of vulnerable Afghans http://www.un.org/apps/news/story.asp?NewsID=38119&Cr=Afghan&Cr1=
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