Quote:
Originally Posted by Slava
Frankly speaking I still find it hard to believe that so many people are jumping on the bandwagon for a party that has explicitly said it will halt any oil sands expansion as though that was just no big deal.
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For me, its all about voting in context. Voting for Chris Turner does not mean the Green Party will gain power. Voting for him means that some of the issues I care about might gain a stronger voice. This is what I care about
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1. I care about the environment.
The development of the Oil sands is not going anywhere, and I think everyone knows that. That does not mean the status quo way of doing things is the best way. There is a giant national party already speaking up for the energy industry....they don't require a larger voice. Voting in a Green party member won't vastly change the course of things, but at least it will give a voice to a greener way of doing business.
Btw, not all of us base their entire decisions on the ebbs and flows of Oil. There are those of us out there who don't work in the energy sector. So for me it's not about turning a blind eye so I can continue to receive a paycheck. I can understand why some take that position, but I have the luxury of not having to.
2. I care about accountability.
The Conservatives clearly take Alberta for granted. At the very least, my vote will go towards sending them a small message that they need to listen to all their constituents. Ideally losing this seat would embarrass them into action. Quebec cries out and it get's action.....it's time we started crying out too.
3. I care about local urban issues.
Chris Turner is clearly a guy who cares about these issues and this city. Crockatt seems like one of those candidates who would pretty much disappear as soon as the election was over, and you wouldn't hear back from her till the next one.
So yeah, that's my train of thought on why I am considering a Green party candidate. I don't agree with everything they stand for, and I'm no fan of Elizabeth May....but all in all, a few key things line up with my thoughts at the moment, so why the hell not?