Opinions - On Private Healthcare
I was challenged this morning where someone wanted very passionately to debate the merits of a privatized healthcare setup in Alberta.
I uh. Went off on them.
Showing posts with label Politics. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Politics. Show all posts
Wednesday, February 26, 2025
Monday, January 13, 2025
Politics - Jean Chretien's Birthday Letter
Jean Chretien is 91 today and he gave himself a birthday present:
He told Donald J. Trump to piss off in the The Globe and Mail.
The original article is here, behind Globe and Mail's
Paywall: https://www.theglobeandmail.com/opinion/article-jean-chretien-canadian-leaders-donald-trump-plan/
Here's his column:
* * *
Monday, October 14, 2019
Politics - Conservative Platform Dissected
Politics - Conservative Platform Dissected
As per each election, I like to do a deep dive on the Conservative Platform. The reason I like to do this is because it traditionally is the most obfuscated one, it's the one that for the last 3 elections has been filled with the most circumventive language, might be outright incorrect, and this year, has been released so paralyzingly late that literally all the advanced poll days will be complete before we get a public analysis.
So.
The actual Platform is available here. I should note that I looked at 3 major news outlets and nobody linked to it, I had to go digging through the Conservative website to find it. https://cpc-platform.s3.ca-central-1.amazonaws.com/CPC_Platform_8.5x11_FINAL_EN_OCT11_web.pdf
I also downloaded this exact version of it to do my analysis. If anything changes or has any discrepancy between this version and an 'updated' version, I'll be able to changelist and track that data.
Let's dive into it. Forewarning, because it's a pdf, the formatting is gonna be REAL WONKY.
As per each election, I like to do a deep dive on the Conservative Platform. The reason I like to do this is because it traditionally is the most obfuscated one, it's the one that for the last 3 elections has been filled with the most circumventive language, might be outright incorrect, and this year, has been released so paralyzingly late that literally all the advanced poll days will be complete before we get a public analysis.
So.
The actual Platform is available here. I should note that I looked at 3 major news outlets and nobody linked to it, I had to go digging through the Conservative website to find it. https://cpc-platform.s3.ca-central-1.amazonaws.com/CPC_Platform_8.5x11_FINAL_EN_OCT11_web.pdf
I also downloaded this exact version of it to do my analysis. If anything changes or has any discrepancy between this version and an 'updated' version, I'll be able to changelist and track that data.
Let's dive into it. Forewarning, because it's a pdf, the formatting is gonna be REAL WONKY.
Wednesday, January 23, 2019
Politics - On Jason Kenney
Politics - On Jason Kenney
On Jason Kenney, and Dignity.
"Why would I never support Jason Kenney?" I was asked today.
I'll explain it as clearly and concisely as I can. I will NEVER support a politician who worked in a movement that advocated for denying gay men the right to visit their own dying spouses.
There is a myriad of other reasons, but that one sticks out the most for me. I don't believe he's changed. I think that is the kind of action that is irredeemable. You do not get a say as an outside party in the practices of another person's systems of grief and mourning, or to deny them their final opportunities with other people. It is reprehensible.
No amount of 'he might be good for the economy' will undo that bloodstain. You cannot equate money, with ethics. As someone who has spent a lot of time studying and writing about ethics, once you begin to allow that compromise, your values will erode.
I will go so far as to say that anyone who supports Kenney, their values are so far removed from mine I have nothing to say to you. Not now. Not ever.
No amount of propaganda from CBC about his 'favourite snack is movie popcorn' will erase the absolute horror in my heart for every person ever affected by his callousness with their personal grief.
Edit:
Citation. https://www.vice.com/en_ca/article/kzvnea/alberta-ucp-leader-jason-kenneys-anti-gay-speech-surfaces-on-world-aids-day
On Jason Kenney, and Dignity.
"Why would I never support Jason Kenney?" I was asked today.
I'll explain it as clearly and concisely as I can. I will NEVER support a politician who worked in a movement that advocated for denying gay men the right to visit their own dying spouses.
There is a myriad of other reasons, but that one sticks out the most for me. I don't believe he's changed. I think that is the kind of action that is irredeemable. You do not get a say as an outside party in the practices of another person's systems of grief and mourning, or to deny them their final opportunities with other people. It is reprehensible.
No amount of 'he might be good for the economy' will undo that bloodstain. You cannot equate money, with ethics. As someone who has spent a lot of time studying and writing about ethics, once you begin to allow that compromise, your values will erode.
I will go so far as to say that anyone who supports Kenney, their values are so far removed from mine I have nothing to say to you. Not now. Not ever.
No amount of propaganda from CBC about his 'favourite snack is movie popcorn' will erase the absolute horror in my heart for every person ever affected by his callousness with their personal grief.
Edit:
Citation. https://www.vice.com/en_ca/article/kzvnea/alberta-ucp-leader-jason-kenneys-anti-gay-speech-surfaces-on-world-aids-day
Wednesday, January 16, 2019
Politics - On Trump and McDonalds - George Godwyn
Politics - On Trump and McDonalds - George Godwyn
The problem with Trump's McDonald's party isn't that McDonald's is uniquely cheap or unhealthy or unfit for consumption or whatever other classist, pseudo-elitist, crap some of you folks seem to think. The unhealthiness of American fast food is generally overstated by almost everyone, as is its alleged inedibility, and the fact that people on a budget can conveniently access hot, delicious meals for the price of 15 minutes of labor is a miracle of the modern world and there’s no goddamn reason for an American President to be ashamed Americans know how to make some good, cheap hamburgers. Only a people as fat and comfortable and safe as Americans could be confused otherwise. Sorry, Belgium, you may have invented the french fry, McDonald’s made it into crack. Anyway, stop fronting. Y’all just had three cruncheritos and a mexican pizza from the Bell. Shit is good sometimes.
And the problem isn’t that Trump is a billionaire or that this repast took place at the White House on all their high falutin’ china, that fast food is somehow too undignified. America loves that shit. Billionaires eat McDonald’s, too (ask Warren Buffet), and when the fuck did we become the kind of nation that’s offended by our leaders having a goddamn burger on some fancy, company’s coming over, china, anyway? This isn’t Europe, the White House isn’t Versailles, as much as that doofus and our Centaurian first lady would like to pretend it is. McDonald’s is just fine on them high-class plates. (And by the way, the White House isn’t a palace because we don’t have kings and queens, we have employees, and as Trump’s employer, if he wants to snort addie off the Resolute desk and then piss on that big carpet seal while no one’s around, that’s fine with me. He should have the same right to misuse, abuse, and degrade his place of work as any other American worker. If your shirt is so stuffed shit like that is going to bug you, move to the 19th century or a Jane Austen novel or something.)
The problem with Trump's McDonald's party isn't that McDonald's is uniquely cheap or unhealthy or unfit for consumption or whatever other classist, pseudo-elitist, crap some of you folks seem to think. The unhealthiness of American fast food is generally overstated by almost everyone, as is its alleged inedibility, and the fact that people on a budget can conveniently access hot, delicious meals for the price of 15 minutes of labor is a miracle of the modern world and there’s no goddamn reason for an American President to be ashamed Americans know how to make some good, cheap hamburgers. Only a people as fat and comfortable and safe as Americans could be confused otherwise. Sorry, Belgium, you may have invented the french fry, McDonald’s made it into crack. Anyway, stop fronting. Y’all just had three cruncheritos and a mexican pizza from the Bell. Shit is good sometimes.
And the problem isn’t that Trump is a billionaire or that this repast took place at the White House on all their high falutin’ china, that fast food is somehow too undignified. America loves that shit. Billionaires eat McDonald’s, too (ask Warren Buffet), and when the fuck did we become the kind of nation that’s offended by our leaders having a goddamn burger on some fancy, company’s coming over, china, anyway? This isn’t Europe, the White House isn’t Versailles, as much as that doofus and our Centaurian first lady would like to pretend it is. McDonald’s is just fine on them high-class plates. (And by the way, the White House isn’t a palace because we don’t have kings and queens, we have employees, and as Trump’s employer, if he wants to snort addie off the Resolute desk and then piss on that big carpet seal while no one’s around, that’s fine with me. He should have the same right to misuse, abuse, and degrade his place of work as any other American worker. If your shirt is so stuffed shit like that is going to bug you, move to the 19th century or a Jane Austen novel or something.)
Saturday, October 6, 2018
Tuesday, June 26, 2018
Politics - Civil Discourse
Politics - Civil Discourse
First he came for Mexicans,
Then he came for Muslims,
Then he came for Women,
THen he came for a Disabled Reporter,
Then he came for Gold Star Families,
Then he came for Trans Troops,
Then he came for NFL Players,
Then he came for Africa,
Then he came for the Chinese Economy,
Then he came for Canadian Neighbours,
Then he put children in internment camps.
Then he put children. In Internment Camps.
Then he put MORE children in Internment Camps.
Then they drugged children in Internment Camps.
Then they sexually abused children in internment camps.
Then they lost children from internment camps.
Now he says we have lost the art of 'civil discourse'.
First he came for Mexicans,
Then he came for Muslims,
Then he came for Women,
THen he came for a Disabled Reporter,
Then he came for Gold Star Families,
Then he came for Trans Troops,
Then he came for NFL Players,
Then he came for Africa,
Then he came for the Chinese Economy,
Then he came for Canadian Neighbours,
Then he put children in internment camps.
Then he put children. In Internment Camps.
Then he put MORE children in Internment Camps.
Then they drugged children in Internment Camps.
Then they sexually abused children in internment camps.
Then they lost children from internment camps.
Now he says we have lost the art of 'civil discourse'.
Sunday, June 10, 2018
Writing - On Politics: Yesterday Today
Writing - On Politics: Yesterday Today
I listened as they called my President a Muslim.
I listened as they called him and his family a pack of monkeys.
I listened as they said he wasn't born here.
I watched as they blocked every single path to progress that they could.
I saw the pictures of him as Hitler.
I watched them shut down the government and hurt the entire nation twice.
I watched them turn their backs on every opportunity to open worthwhile dialog.
I watched them say that they would not even listen to any choice for Supreme Court no matter who the nominee was.
I listened as they openly said that they will oppose him at every turn.
I watched as they did just that.
I listened.
I watched.
I paid attention.
Now, I'm being called on to be tolerant.
To move forward.
To denounce protesters.
To "Get over it."
To accept this...
I will not.
I listened as they called my President a Muslim.
I listened as they called him and his family a pack of monkeys.
I listened as they said he wasn't born here.
I watched as they blocked every single path to progress that they could.
I saw the pictures of him as Hitler.
I watched them shut down the government and hurt the entire nation twice.
I watched them turn their backs on every opportunity to open worthwhile dialog.
I watched them say that they would not even listen to any choice for Supreme Court no matter who the nominee was.
I listened as they openly said that they will oppose him at every turn.
I watched as they did just that.
I listened.
I watched.
I paid attention.
Now, I'm being called on to be tolerant.
To move forward.
To denounce protesters.
To "Get over it."
To accept this...
I will not.
Wednesday, March 14, 2018
Politics - Student's March
Politics - Student's March
Explain to me what is today, because this is the only thing I can see:
Thousands, thousands and thousands of students who rose up in protest.
Maybe a million. Maybe millions.
Students, teenagers, CHILDREN. Protesting their right to live. To draw attention to the fact that adults have failed them. Adults have failed them again, and again, for 19 years. Since a fateful day in April, 1999, when 13 people died and Americans did nothing.
The pattern repeats itself. Over and over, until Sandy Hook. 20 children are shot and die. Their ages are between 6 and 7.
America does nothing.
Stoneman Douglas literally one month ago. Another 17 students are shot dead, another 17 wounded. In the face of despair, and the agony of what they shared, those same teenagers now are demanding MORE. They are rising up, they are angry and RIGHTLY so.
They have been failed, and they recognize it. You have a country where a dude tried to blow up his shoes and now we all check our shoes before we go on an airplane. But the response to a gun in a school was to arm every teacher.
No one believes it. The NRA has become an organization lobby for the profit of itself and to maintain its stranglehold grip on power by any means necessary.
Including sacrificing children.
Explain to me what is today, because this is the only thing I can see:
Thousands, thousands and thousands of students who rose up in protest.
Maybe a million. Maybe millions.
Students, teenagers, CHILDREN. Protesting their right to live. To draw attention to the fact that adults have failed them. Adults have failed them again, and again, for 19 years. Since a fateful day in April, 1999, when 13 people died and Americans did nothing.
The pattern repeats itself. Over and over, until Sandy Hook. 20 children are shot and die. Their ages are between 6 and 7.
America does nothing.
Stoneman Douglas literally one month ago. Another 17 students are shot dead, another 17 wounded. In the face of despair, and the agony of what they shared, those same teenagers now are demanding MORE. They are rising up, they are angry and RIGHTLY so.
They have been failed, and they recognize it. You have a country where a dude tried to blow up his shoes and now we all check our shoes before we go on an airplane. But the response to a gun in a school was to arm every teacher.
No one believes it. The NRA has become an organization lobby for the profit of itself and to maintain its stranglehold grip on power by any means necessary.
Including sacrificing children.
Thursday, March 1, 2018
Politics - Gun Control
Politics - Gun Control
The opposition I see all the time to the term 'gun control' is split into two categories. There is the irrational, which is not worth engaging in because it has no recourse based on reason. And there is the rationale that sits in a position whereby the imagination has not yet seen a path forward on gun control. Whether wilful, or ignorant, or both, is not what I am interested in expanding upon here.
Instead, here is a straightforward proposal about what reasonable gun control could look like, based on a handful of other examples in other nations.
The opposition I see all the time to the term 'gun control' is split into two categories. There is the irrational, which is not worth engaging in because it has no recourse based on reason. And there is the rationale that sits in a position whereby the imagination has not yet seen a path forward on gun control. Whether wilful, or ignorant, or both, is not what I am interested in expanding upon here.
Instead, here is a straightforward proposal about what reasonable gun control could look like, based on a handful of other examples in other nations.
Wednesday, February 14, 2018
Politics - Stoneman Douglas - On Evil
Politics - Stoneman Douglas - On Evil
Consider this: Right now, someone is doing a calculation on how much money it costs for the lobbying and marketing campaign to ensure that yesterday’s tragedy happens again. It happens so often, they might already have a spreadsheet for it. They plug in what state, elementary, junior high, senior high, or post-sec, how many children died, how many teachers, was the shooter black, or muslim, or white? They put in the guns the shooter was carrying, the put in whether the shooter killed themselves at the end. The put in a bunch of variables from the long list of shooting history
That spreadsheet kicks them back a number in the millions. That's the dollar value they spend on ads about 2nd amendment rights, on 'protect yourself and your family', on botnets and forum posters that 'the Democrats are coming for your guns'. On lobbying politicians to push their agenda.
That's the kind of evil we're up against.
Consider this: Right now, someone is doing a calculation on how much money it costs for the lobbying and marketing campaign to ensure that yesterday’s tragedy happens again. It happens so often, they might already have a spreadsheet for it. They plug in what state, elementary, junior high, senior high, or post-sec, how many children died, how many teachers, was the shooter black, or muslim, or white? They put in the guns the shooter was carrying, the put in whether the shooter killed themselves at the end. The put in a bunch of variables from the long list of shooting history
That spreadsheet kicks them back a number in the millions. That's the dollar value they spend on ads about 2nd amendment rights, on 'protect yourself and your family', on botnets and forum posters that 'the Democrats are coming for your guns'. On lobbying politicians to push their agenda.
That's the kind of evil we're up against.
Monday, March 27, 2017
Theatre - World Theatre Day 2017
Theatre - World Theatre Day 2017
Isabelle HUPPERT
The message author of 2017 is Isabelle Huppert, the theatre and cinema actress from France.
World Theatre Day Message 2017 by Isabelle Huppert
So, here we are once more. Gathered again in Spring, 55 years since our inaugural meeting, to celebrate World Theatre Day. Just one day, 24 hours, is dedicated to celebrating theatre around the world. And here we are in Paris, the premier city in the world for attracting international theatre groups, to venerate the art of theatre.
Isabelle HUPPERT
The message author of 2017 is Isabelle Huppert, the theatre and cinema actress from France.
World Theatre Day Message 2017 by Isabelle Huppert
So, here we are once more. Gathered again in Spring, 55 years since our inaugural meeting, to celebrate World Theatre Day. Just one day, 24 hours, is dedicated to celebrating theatre around the world. And here we are in Paris, the premier city in the world for attracting international theatre groups, to venerate the art of theatre.
Thursday, February 9, 2017
Thoughts - Profit
Thoughts - Profit
For what is a person profited, if they shall gain the world, and lose their own soul?
I've been thinking a lot about this statement lately. I've been thinking about it because it is deeply representative of the argument I find myself utilizing in the face of those who support Trump based on a perceived Fiscal idea. There are a lot of people I know who are... "give him a chance" about Trump because they are seeing positive effects in the marketplace. They are seeing stock markets rise, bullish investments, lowering rates on interest.
But what is it to profit, to get a better investment rate of return, to make another five thousand dollars at the end of the fiscal year...if it is to turn your back on society. To turn your back on scruples. To profit at the sake of another, and maybe not just another, but every other.
Will you tell me that it is just fair play?
Will it still be fair play when you are the one being made profit of?
For what is a person profited, if they shall gain the world, and lose their own soul?
I've been thinking a lot about this statement lately. I've been thinking about it because it is deeply representative of the argument I find myself utilizing in the face of those who support Trump based on a perceived Fiscal idea. There are a lot of people I know who are... "give him a chance" about Trump because they are seeing positive effects in the marketplace. They are seeing stock markets rise, bullish investments, lowering rates on interest.
But what is it to profit, to get a better investment rate of return, to make another five thousand dollars at the end of the fiscal year...if it is to turn your back on society. To turn your back on scruples. To profit at the sake of another, and maybe not just another, but every other.
Will you tell me that it is just fair play?
Will it still be fair play when you are the one being made profit of?
Monday, November 14, 2016
Ethics - Safety Pins
Ethics - Safety Pins
I've been reading about safety pins. And I get it. I understand why.
And I disagree.
I don't disagree with the spirit of what is happening by wearing a safety pin. But I do disagree with the practicality of it. I also disagree with the shifting onus that it represents.
For those that are interested, there's a "safety pin campaign" that has been going on over the last week since the lamentable results in America. I'm not going to comment on that yet, I'm still digesting, and likely might be for the next 4 years. But that safety pin campaign says wear a visible safety pin to demonstrate to marginalized groups, (LGBTQ, Minorities, Immigrants), that you are an "Ally."
The safety pin is supposed to symbolize that you are "safe", that you are an "ally". People of those marginalized groups can come to you for safety.
Fuck off.
I've been reading about safety pins. And I get it. I understand why.
And I disagree.
I don't disagree with the spirit of what is happening by wearing a safety pin. But I do disagree with the practicality of it. I also disagree with the shifting onus that it represents.
For those that are interested, there's a "safety pin campaign" that has been going on over the last week since the lamentable results in America. I'm not going to comment on that yet, I'm still digesting, and likely might be for the next 4 years. But that safety pin campaign says wear a visible safety pin to demonstrate to marginalized groups, (LGBTQ, Minorities, Immigrants), that you are an "Ally."
The safety pin is supposed to symbolize that you are "safe", that you are an "ally". People of those marginalized groups can come to you for safety.
Fuck off.
Thursday, September 22, 2016
Politics - Attacking Trump Supporters
Politics - Attacking Trump Supporters
Drew Magary wrote this inflammatory 'open letter' attacking Trump Supporters. It's awesome.
Drew Magary wrote this inflammatory 'open letter' attacking Trump Supporters. It's awesome.
Sunday, September 4, 2016
Politics - Standing, Sitting, Anthems
Politics - Standing, Sitting, Anthems
A piece of writing by Jim Wright, an American Veteran, on the Colin Kaepernick, not standing for the Anthem.
"I am not going to stand up to show pride in a flag for a country that oppresses black people and people of color. To me, this is bigger than football and it would be selfish on my part to look the other way. There are bodies in the street and people getting paid leave and getting away with murder."
I've been away from the internet all day.
I came home from a family picnic on the Blackwater River to find my inbox, as usual, overflowing like a ripe Port-O-Pottie.
One of the first messages I read was about 49ers quarterback Colin Kaepernick, quoted above, who last Friday night at the beginning of a preseason game suddenly decided to become the most hated man in America du jour by deliberately not standing for the National Anthem.
Yes, that's right, a football player didn't stand for the National Anthem.
As you know, this means Kaepernick is scum, a horrible human being, a likely member of ISIS, a Muslim terrorist, a black thug, a communist, a socialist (and not the cool share your weed Bernie Sanders kind of socialist but the Red Brigade kind of Socialist who sleeps under a poster of Chairman Mao), a radical, a Black Panther, and he probably has Fidel Castro's phone number in his contact favorites.
Yeah. Okay.
I answered the message and went on to the next one.
The next message was about Kaepernick. As was the next one. And the next one. And...
They all begin pretty much the same way: Jim, AS A VETERAN, what do you think about this? Well?
Let me answer all the messages at once
A piece of writing by Jim Wright, an American Veteran, on the Colin Kaepernick, not standing for the Anthem.
"I am not going to stand up to show pride in a flag for a country that oppresses black people and people of color. To me, this is bigger than football and it would be selfish on my part to look the other way. There are bodies in the street and people getting paid leave and getting away with murder."
I've been away from the internet all day.
I came home from a family picnic on the Blackwater River to find my inbox, as usual, overflowing like a ripe Port-O-Pottie.
One of the first messages I read was about 49ers quarterback Colin Kaepernick, quoted above, who last Friday night at the beginning of a preseason game suddenly decided to become the most hated man in America du jour by deliberately not standing for the National Anthem.
Yes, that's right, a football player didn't stand for the National Anthem.
As you know, this means Kaepernick is scum, a horrible human being, a likely member of ISIS, a Muslim terrorist, a black thug, a communist, a socialist (and not the cool share your weed Bernie Sanders kind of socialist but the Red Brigade kind of Socialist who sleeps under a poster of Chairman Mao), a radical, a Black Panther, and he probably has Fidel Castro's phone number in his contact favorites.
Yeah. Okay.
I answered the message and went on to the next one.
The next message was about Kaepernick. As was the next one. And the next one. And...
They all begin pretty much the same way: Jim, AS A VETERAN, what do you think about this? Well?
Let me answer all the messages at once
Friday, July 8, 2016
Politics - Fuck All Lives Matter
Politics - Fuck All Lives Matter
With the recent spate of news regarding "Black Lives Matter", there again is the ever present rebuttal that "All Lives Matter." This happens over, and over. It happens with gender, it happens with culture, it happens with religion, it happens with sexual orientation. The thing is, like others have posted, until we started saying #BlackLivesMatter nobody ever said #AllLivesMatter. Until we had #GayPride, there was never a #HeteroSexualPrideDay. #WhiteHistoryMonth sounds ludicrous against #BlackhistoryMonth, and the idea of #MensRights makes us all cringe.
Here's the problem. All Lives Matter, is 'strictly true'. But it's also tone deaf. It's tone deaf because it's not about finding nuance, it's about maintaining status quo. It's about silencing the very real problems people have with what is going on in society right now. GeekAesthete wrote this about why it's not okay.
Sunday, March 27, 2016
Thursday, November 5, 2015
Politics - Voting Day, Follow up
Politics - Voting Day, Follow Up
I received this email today in response, a few weeks after the discrepancy I had in voting during the election. I wish it were more conclusive, or even more investigative instead of just a citation of a clause in the Act.
I received this email today in response, a few weeks after the discrepancy I had in voting during the election. I wish it were more conclusive, or even more investigative instead of just a citation of a clause in the Act.
Nevertheless, well there it is.
Monday, October 19, 2015
Politics - Voting Day
Politics - Voting Day
I have returned from voting. I have no selfie picture to show you, instead: I received my ballot and went behind the screen, then took a moment to observe it, and realized that it had been marked already. Concerned I took the ballot back to my polling volunteer and showed him. He immediately agreed and provided me a new ballot, destroying the old one. I took that one behind the screen and again observed the same markings. Both ballots had been marked under the Conservative candidate's name, Alice Wong.
I was suspicious and returned, a number of us checked through the unmarked ballots and discovered that every ballot in their small book (Perhaps a dozen ballots) had been similarly marked. His partner noted that the markings were not exactly in the bubble, and thusly should not count.
I said to him then: "Let us not be lazy in the defence of democracy. The books cost nothing. Get another one, and there will be no confusion."
They produced a new book of ballots, I received an unmarked one, and exercised my civic duty.
It's raining in Richmond right now, but I feel good.
Get out there and vote friends. And be vigilant. Don't let your voice be taken from you.
I have returned from voting. I have no selfie picture to show you, instead: I received my ballot and went behind the screen, then took a moment to observe it, and realized that it had been marked already. Concerned I took the ballot back to my polling volunteer and showed him. He immediately agreed and provided me a new ballot, destroying the old one. I took that one behind the screen and again observed the same markings. Both ballots had been marked under the Conservative candidate's name, Alice Wong.
I was suspicious and returned, a number of us checked through the unmarked ballots and discovered that every ballot in their small book (Perhaps a dozen ballots) had been similarly marked. His partner noted that the markings were not exactly in the bubble, and thusly should not count.
I said to him then: "Let us not be lazy in the defence of democracy. The books cost nothing. Get another one, and there will be no confusion."
They produced a new book of ballots, I received an unmarked one, and exercised my civic duty.
It's raining in Richmond right now, but I feel good.
Get out there and vote friends. And be vigilant. Don't let your voice be taken from you.
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)