The Right to Choose: A Thought on Politics, Voting, and Staying Informed”
Hello readers! Let’s touch on a touchy topic – Politics…
Politics is a subject that can stir up strong emotions, leading to heated debates and sharp divisions. But as someone who leans left in most aspects of political thought, I’ve often found myself reflecting on the importance of our choices and how we arrive at them. More specifically, I’m not so concerned with who people vote for, but why they vote the way they do.
Let me be clear—everyone is free to vote for whomever they choose. That’s the beauty of democracy. I have no problem with someone who disagrees with me for legitimate reasons, whether we differ in opinion on economic policies, healthcare, social justice, or any other political matter. Healthy debate, grounded in research and personal conviction, is something I encourage and respect. It’s okay to hold different beliefs or values because that’s what makes us unique. Diversity in thought can help society progress in ways that a uniform way of thinking simply cannot.
However, what does bother me—both in American politics and here in Canada—is when people cast their votes based solely on what they hear in sound bites on social media or brief, biased news clips. It’s frustrating to see people follow the crowd without questioning the narrative or considering the implications of their choice. Voting should be a conscious act, driven by an understanding of the issues and what a candidate truly represents, not just regurgitating what we’ve seen on our Twitter or Facebook feeds.
We live in a world where misinformation spreads faster than ever. Social media, while a great tool for communication, is often a breeding ground for half-truths and unchallenged assumptions. The real danger lies in how easy it is to passively absorb that information, especially when algorithms are designed to show us content that reinforces our existing beliefs. Without critical thought, we can easily find ourselves voting with the herd rather than making informed, independent decisions. It’s not the disagreement that concerns me—it’s the lack of understanding behind some votes that can have a real impact on our societies.
My neighbors to the south are currently facing a particularly dangerous situation. Many voters intend to vote for the right because “that’s just what they’ve always done” or “the left is for whacko’s.” But I believe there’s an urgent need to understand what’s at stake in the upcoming elections. Some candidates are advocating for policies that don’t align with traditional conservative values at all. Instead, we’re seeing a push toward dismantling democratic norms altogether, and worse, calling for violence should the election not go their way. A frightening example is Project 2025, an initiative that proposes to centralize power to a degree that could lead the U.S. down the road to authoritarianism or worse, a dictatorship.
Similarly, in Canada, with our federal election looming next year, we’re seeing similar tactics from the right. They seek to mislead and misinform the general populace to garner votes, and many follow the herd without stopping to think critically. If you have genuine reasons to vote one way or the other—great! All the power to you. But if you’re simply voting a certain way because those around you are, or because you “dislike” the current Prime Minister as a man, that doesn’t justify your decision. Voting should be about policies, values, and what will serve the country best, not shallow reasoning or herd mentality.
People need to recognize that they aren’t just voting for “the right” as they know it. Instead, they may be supporting a candidate who is actively working to undermine the democratic system itself. These are no longer debates over policy but over the very foundation of a free and fair society. It’s chilling to think about, but it’s a reality that needs to be acknowledged. We are far past the point where political differences are simply ideological. What’s being threatened now is the core of democratic governance.
For me, it’s important that we all take time to dig deeper, to fact-check, and to seek out multiple perspectives before casting a vote. Even if we come to different conclusions in the end, that’s okay. What matters most is that we make our choices with intention and insight, not just based on a catchy headline or a trending hashtag.
At the end of the day, I don’t judge anyone for their political affiliations. We’re all shaped by our experiences, backgrounds, and what we hold important. But I do hope that as voters—whether in Canada, the U.S., or anywhere else—we take the responsibility seriously. Our votes matter. They shape the future of our nations, our communities, and our families.
In this increasingly polarized world, my hope is that we can all strive to make informed decisions, seek the truth amidst the noise, and approach each election with the thoughtfulness it deserves. Because in the end, whether we lean left, right, or somewhere in between, the goal should always be the same: to build a better future for all.
I believe that when we put in the effort to understand the issues, respect each other’s viewpoints, and make informed choices, we all win—regardless of the election outcome. So, here’s to voting with intention, staying informed, and never forgetting the power that comes with being an active participant in democracy.
Those who are too smart to engage in politics are punished by being governed by those who are dumber.” — Plato
As always, remember that you only live once, but if you do it right, once is enough. Embrace the adventure, cherish the moments, and I’ll catch you next time!
-Rob
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2 Comments
Darb · October 26, 2024 at 8:09 am
This post is definitely on a touchy topic, and I appreciate you opening the door for discussion. I want to navigate my response carefully, as this could also be controversial, and the last thing I’d want is to risk our friendship over these topics. That said, I feel it’s worth sharing my perspective.
I totally agree about the importance of informed voting and how frustrating it is when people base decisions on sound bites or social media trends. But to me, the issue goes beyond social media. Politicians and news outlets have their own agendas, and it’s tough to get objective facts.
Take Canada’s gun laws, for instance. The PM’s sweeping bans in 2020 and the handgun freeze in 2022 were presented as solutions to gun violence. But for those who know the rules, the AR-15 and handguns were already heavily restricted. They were range-only, with strict rules on licensing, storage, and transport. The way it was presented made it seem like these were unregulated, which wasn’t the case. Now, with even more restrictions on legal owners, we’re still seeing issues with illegal firearms, and as police unions point out, the real problem lies at the border. The focus on “gun control” seems more like a political move than a solution, but it resonates with people who might not know the full context.
Another touchy topic is the carbon tax. Manitoba, for instance, has invested billions into clean energy, and yet the federal government rejected our request for an exception, saying we still need a “plan” to combat pollution. We tried to implement a “flat tax” per tonne, and were rejected again citing the tax was not high enough. It feels like Manitoba’s ongoing efforts, which are drastically different from a high-emission place like Toronto, don’t get taken into account. Carbon emissions are undeniably harmful, but if the goal were genuinely about “being green” instead of adding another cost of living and revenue stream for the federal government, there would be more flexibility based on regional realities.
And then there’s the broader issue with democracy here. In the last election, more people actually voted against the PM than for him, yet he stayed in office because of how our system is set up. Voting power in Canada is based on where you live, so we’re missing that equal representation where every vote matters directly. I think this disconnect is part of why voter turnout keeps dropping… people feel their votes don’t represent them on a national level.
I know I’ve focused heavily on just 3 tiny topics but it’s because they’re close to home and are areas where I’m well-informed. All of my opinions are generally based on facts, though I recognize that human nature makes us focus on what’s familiar. There are probably other areas where its possible that I might agree with the PM, but these issues are the ones that shape my voting decisions, which as you mentioned I have a right to.
In the end, even if everyone based their decisions on factual evidence, that still wouldn’t mean every voter would have the same mindset or opinion. People come to different conclusions because of individual experiences, beliefs, and priorities. But like you said, the key is making intentional, informed choices. It’s just finding real, unbiased information that can be the challenge these days, beyond just social media.
There’s definitely a lot here to think about.
Rob Meush · October 26, 2024 at 9:21 am
Thank you for sharing your thoughts! It’s clear you’ve put careful thought into these issues, and I really appreciate the respectful tone you’re bringing to a very sensitive discussion.
On the carbon tax, I can understand where you’re coming from, especially with Manitoba’s ongoing clean energy investments. The rationale behind the carbon tax is to create a direct financial incentive to reduce emissions; ideally, it encourages both individuals and industries to make greener choices, supporting Canada’s long-term environmental goals. The federal government argues that it’s about more than just being green—it’s also about ensuring future generations have clean air and water. And while it’s hard to see the immediate benefits, there’s plenty of evidence in other countries that a carbon tax can make a measurable difference over time. I will note that there is also a carbon tax rebate in Manitoba, something that BC does not have, as the carbon tax here is provincial (established back in 2008) and not federal.
Regarding gun laws, there’s no doubt that Canada has a strict licensing and regulation system. Proponents of these additional restrictions argue they help close any gaps left in existing laws by making it harder for firearms to end up in the wrong hands, even unintentionally. While there are undoubtedly issues with illegal firearms at the border, a combination of efforts, including these laws, aims to address all fronts of the problem. For instance, following stricter gun laws in Australia and the U.K., both countries saw reductions in gun-related crimes and mass shootings. While Canada’s situation is unique, similar regulations aim to minimize risk by reducing firearm access points that could lead to gun violence, even unintentionally. Of course, this isn’t to overlook issues with illegal firearms coming in through the border, but the multi-pronged approach—including the existing legal restrictions—seeks to address both licensed and illegal firearms.
And as for voting, I completely agree that there are flaws in our current system that leave many voters feeling disconnected. However, did you know that the PM actually agrees with you as well and has voiced support for a ranked-choice voting system to help address some of these issues with representation, as you mentioned. It’s a challenging topic to tackle, but it’s promising to see discussions and proposals aiming for a more representative voting process. That being said, if voting was based on the popular vote, the Liberals still would have won in the last election, these results can be found at multiple reputable sources online.
On a related note, the recent developments with the leader of the opposition declining to obtain security clearance have also been concerning. With CSIS, the RCMP, and other party leaders pointing to issues of foreign interference within the Conservative Party, this refusal raises serious questions. When national security agencies highlight these risks, it’s essential that all leaders show a commitment to transparency and public trust by cooperating fully.
In the end, I think you’re absolutely right—everyone comes to different conclusions based on their own experiences, and a healthy democracy is all about respecting that diversity of thought while finding common ground where we can. Being able to peacefully debate is paramount and healthy. Thanks again for engaging so thoughtfully on these points!