On a more serious note

My last post was very partisan, yes, and a little snippy. I'm ok with that. All in good fun.

This post comes with a more serious tone. This is a letter from the CEO from the organization Compassion Canada. I agree with his thoughts and took note at his tone. I would recommend that anyone who is feeling cynical or defeatist toward our political system take the opportunity to travel to a developing nation. What we dismiss, others celebrate. The definition of decadence is the lack of appreciation of what is around you. Let's enjoy our country but not become decadent in our freedom.

Out.


Dear Compassion Family:
Yesterday my wife and I went to our local polling station to cast our vote early because we will be out of the country during the elections. I was intrigued with the process and the efforts that were put into ensuring the security of my ballot and to preserve my right to cast such a ballot. My mind went immediately to the developing world where Compassion works among the poor and disadvantaged.

I recalled the all-too-common acts of corruption and intimidation and yes, even violence, which surround the electoral process. Votes are bought and sold. The rights of the citizens are ignored. Lives are lost. And corrupt leaders assume power only to lord it over the poor, adding to their misery. Simply observing the upcoming elections in Haiti will give evidence to my logic.

I am proud to be a Canadian and I am thankful for the freedoms and privileges we enjoy as citizens of this great country. Yet I am dismayed to learn that so many Canadians are apathetic to the electoral process. Yes, even Christians.

From my experience of working in the developing world these past 22 years I can't imagine how we could take this liberty so lightly when it defines the very future of our families. Millions of people around the world risk their lives to cast a vote with little hope of any positive impact. Many have made the ultimate sacrifice to preserve democracy.

I would like to take this opportunity to encourage you to exercise one of the greatest freedoms of all times by casting your ballot on January 23. Please, take your stand and be counted so that Canada can remain the "true north strong and free" and our impact throughout the world will continue to grow.

For justice and Compassion,





Barry Slauenwhite
President/CEO
Compassion Canada

A reason to vote that never occured to me...

Happy voting. Go Andrew!