Quote:
Originally Posted by CaptainCrunch
My posts weren't joking, I was being fairly serious.
It great to say that your fighting for democracy, but I would bet that a lot of those people didn't take advantage of one of the basic tenants of democracy which is the vote.
I look at the demands of electorial reforms in the vision area where its the same tired argument that 60% of Canadians didn't vote for the government so why do they have a majority. But you can't protest for electorial reform if you don't understand a multiple party system.
I was serious when I said that I must be part of the 1% because none of that stuff resonated with me, and you came back with the snide remark about fighting for me, honestly I don't need someone fighting for me when I don't agree with most of thier concepts.
I respect the anger of the occupy movement, especially in the U.S. where when you cut through some of the wackier elements there is a real small unprotected minority that are truly getting a$$f###ed and good for them for crying out, but they're not getting heard because of the rest of that movement.
In Calgary your part of a country that despite the global crisis, and our neighbours struggles have made some very good moves to protect themselves, we have low unemployement, and yes while you pay tuition and it does increase, a large chunk of that is subsidized unlike the States where you pay for everything.
We have a good social program net, and especially in Calgary if you want to work you'll work, it might not be in your chosen field but you have options.
Are there people that are having a genuinly tough time out there, absolutely, but this protest will more then likely drown them out instead of them being heard.
|
I don't disagree with most of what you have said except the last part. It is better in Canada, and we do have quite a ways to go before we end up like the States. But as I said before, 'as goes the US, so does Canada.' I would like to think that highlighting the issues now would prevent later disaster. I would also think that for as often as I get accused of being anti-American, that participating in something that might help them, would prove I do think we are neighbours and I do want them to succeed. If even if showing solidarity with those in the States that are getting f***ed, as you put it, is the best thing we are doing, then isn't that a good thing?
As I said, the only part I really disagree with is the end. I'm not sure how taking time out and bringing up issues and a healthy amount of dissent will drown out people who are having a genuinely tough time. As a family in that category, feeling we don't have a voice, having already jumped the hoops and getting caught in the tape, I don't understand how this could be more of a waste of time than many of the other things I have done. Or more importantly were told to me I should do. As I've posted a few times, we're not trying to stop anything, just highlight issues. Just remind those in power and at the top, as good as things are, there are still serious problems.
I understand if it looks pointless, or misguided. I would just rather do something, than nothing. We in North America have been taking our democracy for granted for a while now. It never hurts to kick it in the butt every once in a while.
I do very much appreciate your last post though Capt. Thank you.