Over the past few days I've heard a number of friends say that they're going to be voting for the Green Party candidate in their riding in the upcoming national election. Every single one of them tells me that they want to vote for a party that puts a priority on the environment in every decision they make. Whoa.
Then today I read in TheTyee.ca the reasons Why Raif Mare is voting Green as well. This seems grassroots and growing. Mare makes the sound point that even if a Green candidate does not get elected, each percentage point of the popular vote the party receives translates into funding for their next campaign. So the notion that it's a wasted vote doesn't really make much sense. Proportionally, a Green vote becomes a more significant vote (in terms of funding) that a vote for a more popular party.
I haven't decided yet who I'm voting for. I usually don't until I'm ready to vote, either because I procrastinate or because I don't have to. I haven't figured out which yet. I'll get around to it: the figuring out and the deciding. And when I do, the Green Party will certainly get due consideration.
Posted by James Sherrett at December 12, 2005 06:58 PMMy problem with The Greens: lack of uniformity. Seems like every candidate is going off in a new and different direction. Some are fiscal conservatives, others are straight off the commune. Not sure if these guys are leftists or libertarians, or both. Nonetheless, a welcome alternative to the usual 3 choices.
Posted by: The Doctor at December 13, 2005 03:51 PMIs it just me or is Jack Layton the only one of the three main party leaders who doesn't look weird? I mean, Paul Martin just LOOKS slimy and slippery (I've never trusted his oral bridge work). And Steven Harper...does he ever make eye contact? Weirdo eyes! Seriously. What's he drinking? I like some of the Green Party ideas, but with our voting system set up the way it is, I'm not sure I want to waste a vote and allow either Martin or Crazy-No-Eye-Contact Harper to gain more ground. A Jack (Russel Terrier) Layton led opposition would be a welcome thing next parliament. Hey, maybe we'd even get some governing done!
Posted by: skell at December 14, 2005 12:46 PM