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
posted by Bryan at 2:39 PM
6 Comments:
Hey Wiens! Nice to find your blog and see pics and read up on your life. Too bad we didn't get to see ya over Christmas. We'll be back sometime this spring, so hopefully we'll see ya then.
Bryan, I was actually planning on posting this letter as well. I may still, if you don't mind. It's a good message we need to bear in mind on Monday!
I couldn't agree w/ Mr. Slauenwhite any more. Canadians (both the people and Elections Canada) indeed spend a lot of time, effort, and tax dollars on ensuring a democratic voting process. Here's what I went through to cast my vote. When I was home for the holidays, I had to print out, fill out, and send in a registration form to Ottawa (along with having to go get a photocopy of my driver's license and send in as well). Two days ago (Monday), I received my mail-in ballot (here in Ireland) to fill out and send back to Ottawa. It came with THREE additional envelopes inside for me to send back to ensure confidentiality in my vote. I then had to go online to see who the candidates are in my riding. When I realized I only had a week to get the ballot back to Ottawa, I called the embassy in Dublin to see if it'd be faster if I sent it to them. Of course, as all Irish offices do, the embassy was closed for their 2 hour lunch break. In the end, I decided to go ahead to the post office and see how much it'd cost to rush the envelope back by the 23rd. And when I was going through all the trouble of stuffing one envelope in the other, and then bolting to the post office to get the ballot sent off and make it back to class on time, I was wondering if all my efforts (and postage) were really worth my one vote. But after reflecting on what Slauenwhite wrote, my troubles certainly pale in comparison to what some people have to go through in order to even obtain the right to cast a vote that counts. So all you slackers out there - go vote! Enjoy our freedom, and "be joyful always". Go Canada.
Margaret,
Of course I don't mind. It's a great message, let's get the word out!
So true. I appreciate both you & Margaret posting this letter.
And Ian, way to go on voting! A lot of Canadians wouldn't go to that much trouble.
I placed my vote last Friday. I'm grateful to have this opportunity in Canada.
In case you didn't know about this, I thought I'd be the first to share!
http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/0664229425/qid=1138324593/sr=8-1/ref=pd_bbs_1/002-9646782-9106433?n=507846&s=books&v=glance
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