by thirdhour » 1/11/2006, 8:21 pm
I've been watching the election like crazy, mostly because I watch CTV Newsnet and CBC Newsworld for about three hours a day plus an hour or so of regular news (I kid you not). I think if someone who had never encountered Canadian politics were to look at the parties and their promises, they would have a hard time deciding who stands for what, because all three parties have promised money for the same things. Honestly, all of them seem to be so desperate for votes that they'll claim anything. While sometimes their approaches vary (national daycare vs. money for parents), it's the same idea, just slightly different solutions. The ndp is even promising harsher jail sentances, something they usually don't support.
However, despite campaign promises, I am damn scared that it seems the Conservatives are going to win. I don't think Harper will drastically change things, but since they've been in opposition for what, 13 years now, they will be overeager to prove how different they are from the Liberals and bring up laws they've had to wait on for years.
I don't ever remember there being a non-Liberal government in my lifetime, and while I don't support everything they do, it just doesn't seem right for another party (especially such a right-wing party) to lead the country. It's like when the Liberals do something that pissed me off, they're the country's parents, so I just can't hate em despite everything, but the conservatives are like stepparents trying to take control when they don't have the right, those bastards!
That being said, if I could vote, I'd vote green. *shrug* As if this even matters THAT much, most of our lives will not drastically change because of a new government. Unless they get rid of universal healthcare. Then I'm heading to Cuba!