U.S. Government Facing Shutdown: Our Elections Are Taking Us Down the Same Road

While we are in Canada carefully following the elections, the U.S. government is now facing a shutdown as Republicans and Democrats collide over proposed $33B in budget cuts. Should these parties not reach a compromise, the U.S. government will not have the funds to maintain itself.

The inability or unwillingness to compromise on the budget is further exacerbated by accusations between parties. Sounds familiar? Too familiar.

Whereas both parties have been able to agree on certain budget cuts, Republicans are demanding the withdrawal of funding for a number of programs, particularly Planned Parenthood, because of its stance on abortion.

The Democrats and Republicans are so entrenched in their positions; their unwillingness to compromise will result in the shutdown of non-essential government services. This leaves thousands of people out of work and paychecks while wealthy politicians passionately play their ideological games.

This is the road that I see Canadian politics take. With secrecy, deceit, and partisan games, this is where our politicians are leading us.

Our 2011 Federal elections was set in motion due to one reason: Conservatives were found in contempt of Parliament. And it doesn’t matter how parties are trying to focus on budgets, tax cuts, and benefits; the underlying political danger is still not being addressed.

This election is a chance for Canadians to demand more transparency and accountability in our government proceedings. The talk of budget and spending does not address this issue which means that we might just have to face yet another election soon.

We need to rise above partisanship now or we will be facing the same problems the United States is. Our leaders have failed providing us with the morale that is to keep us stronger together.

You have been in arguments with your family members, close friends, and colleagues. But as individuals, we know how to resolve differences. We know the importance of compromise.

Should we adopt the practices of our political leaders in our daily lives, there would be no family, there would not remain any married couple, there would not be respect and honour between individuals. But as we know, we live our lives compromising, constantly negotiating, sometimes willingly giving up on our own desires for those we love.

Do not let your politicians brand you and label you. We do not want to find ourselves in the same situation as Americans today.