While all of us are trying very hard to get into the spirit of Christmas our federal government members have been sent home until next year to get their act together. Only a few weeks after the bewildered and often forgotten Canadian taxpayers had taken part in a fair democratic election process that cost us over $300 million the parties have suddenly become involved in a political power struggle to decide who will lead our nation into the future during these tougher economic times.
Many of these elected officials with the big expense accounts seem to be currently acting like little children playing silly games similar to ‘King of the Castle’ or ‘Kick the can’! The election ballot boxes have only just been put away and already the majority of three are attempting to take the power from Prime Minister Harper’s minority Conservatives, in an attempt to form their own coalition party. There is no doubt that in most cases, especially over the last decade, these minority governments have spent a whole lot of valuable time agreeing to disagree on just about every issue they face. When things get too hot they start screaming at other, and quite often throw in that dreaded non-confidence vote. Correct me if I am wrong, but isn’t it just those war-torn and rebel nations around the world who have had to resort to those sudden and sometimes violent political coos to overthrow their leaders?
No matter how this latest confrontation plays out, the bottom line is that these elected officials have been placed in their lofty positions to serve and be accountable to each and every Canadian citizen…fiscally, fairly, honestly, democratically, and with respect and good sense. Of course it will always be tough to please some 33.5 million bosses, but wouldn’t it be a heck of a lot easier if these Members of Parliament strived to get along and keep this ongoing turmoil out of their house?
The choice of who represents our nation as a government was made just a couple of months ago by the voting public, those who work very hard to pay the taxes that cover the overwhelming costs to run a nation. Each and every Canadian citizen of all age groups from coast to coast deserve strong and sincere leadership that will provide them with equal opportunities and benefits, now and long into our future.
If the individual parties are having problems with their leadership they need to be working that out amongst themselves, at their expense.
During this extended Christmas holiday every elected official needs to go home, enjoy the love and support of his or her family, friends, and constituents; spend a little time reviewing the oath of office that they have agreed to serve, and maybe even thumb through the longstanding Constitution of our peaceful and still prosperous and free nation. Hopefully they will come back to the hustings ready to compromise and work together taking care of the business of our great Canadian nation; one which has proudly and compassionately reached out to protect and help so many others in need around the world for countless decades. Together we must strive to make sure that our home fires are always burning brightly, and with that same intensity and clear direction that so many other nations have come to expect and admire of us. On top of our freedom and priority list must always be that right to vote, to sign petitions, write letters, and express our opinions on all issues that concern the livelihood and leadership of our great nation; one which the world is definitely watching in anticipation right now.
Thank you for that extra Christmas gift
There is still time to place your little gift for Santas Anonymous or kindly donation to the Food Bank in the decorated boxes that are located throughout our community and at countless functions every Christmas season. Once again the long-standing Ponoka Santas Anonymous campaign will fill some 75 gift hampers and 135 boxes full of food and deliver them to those in our community who really need and appreciate them. You may also wish to attend or make a donation of goodies or your special musical talent to the delightful annual Ponoka Community Christmas party on the afternoon of Thursday, Dec.25 at the Kinsmen Recreation Centre. For more information please phone Sherri Mitchell at 403-843-3638. Thank you once again for your ongoing kindness and generosity, bundle up, and have a great week, all of you!