This Monday in Canada

Well…here we go.

In another three days, we will, once again, have gone through another federal election. Another chance to vote. Another opportunity for your voice to be heard. Another moment to cheer for your candidate of choice…

Another glorious rallying cry to unite the country at the polls…followed by an endless amount of whining and complaining…again.

“Are they stupid?”

“Why would they vote for them?”

“They’re going to destroy the country!”

“We need to separate!! IMMEDIATELY!”

We’ve heard it all before. The copious amount of doomsday cries from the masses if “X” party wins the election.

But let me ask you this…how many elections have you experienced in Canada? How many have you voted in? How many have you ignored? How many have you, yourself, run in?

Are you mad about it?

I’m going to suggest something and you may not like what I have to say.

But…

Is it possible you are just as responsible for where we are today as the other guy you’re blaming? Voting for an opposing party simply because the other one pissed you off? Strategic voting for a party you don’t agree with only to keep the other group from winning? Not voting at all because “what’s the point?”

There is no perfect system for this – no perfect outcome!

No matter who gets in power, life goes on. The country moves on. Yes, policies change. Sometimes for the better, sometimes for the worse. It’s not all going to be great. But it all depends on what side of the spectrum you’re on; what your goals in life are. Where you come from and where you’re currently living. What kind of an income you have. What your needs are.

And despite election after election, the country is still here.

Everybody has a different view, and it’s not always going to align with yours. That doesn’t necessarily mean they’re wrong. It just means that they have a different set of circumstances than you do. They have every right to express those opinions…especially if they’ve voted.

I’m not here to tell you that you shouldn’t stand up for what you believe in – that you shouldn’t be vocal or shouldn’t participate. You definitely should do that! Just don’t be an ass about it.

Sometimes things will work out in your favour. Sometimes not. But that’s the way it works.

So if you’re butt-hurt about whoever wins the election on Monday – grow the hell up! You aren’t the only person living here, and it can’t always be about you. And if your candidate won…congratulations! But don’t get too comfy! It’s not going to last forever. Be kind and gracious in your victory because there will be a day where the pendulum will swing back.

The one constant with governments like ours is that they always, inevitably, change. The only way to ensure your voice is heard is to go out and vote.

You know what you have to do, so go and do it!

And at the end of the day on Monday, despite who wins, we’re still all Canadians. Please don’t forget that!

Image Credit: PascalCampion