RIP Jack Layton

I was not happy initially when an election was called this year. When it was all said and done, I was shocked, as was the rest of the country. I was so proud of my party and its leader.

The "orange crush" made history. The NDP, led by Jack Layton, had won 103 seats, becoming the official Opposition for the first time in the party's history. They took 59/75 seats in Quebec, which led to the collapse of the Bloc Quebecois.

In July 2011, Layton announced that he would be taking a leave of absence as he fought a new form of cancer. This morning it was announced (link) that he passed away peacefully in his home with his family. He was 61.

RIP Jack Layton, the man who somehow managed to catch my interest in Politics. You were a brilliant, sweet man, and a great leader. This country will not be the same without you.

No excuses

As most Canadians know, Stephen Harper has been charged with Contempt of Parliament, which has lead  to the upcoming Non-Confidence Vote on May 2.  I've always followed basic politics, whether they interest me or not.  I feel like it's my duty to be aware of what's going on in the world around me and the world I just brought a child into.  While it may seem like it at times, all politicians are not the same, nor do they believe the same things.  They are certainly not all "criminals."

Saying you just don't know how to vote is ignorant.  If you can't find the time to figure out what everyone stands for, I believe you are lazy.  I don't expect everyone to be interested in politics, follow them religiously, and know how many pets Jack Layton owns or what Stephen Harper likes for breakfast.  Just take five minutes out of your life and research the basic party platforms.  Is Education important to you?  The Economy?  Crime rate?  Military?  See what the five leaders have to say about it.  The bottom line is if you don't bother to vote, then you have no right to complain when the "bad guy" gets in or things happen that you disagree with.

Canadian citizens who choose not to vote have always gotten on my nerves.  I've convinced Isaac to finally vote this year, and couldn't be happier.  I don't care who he votes for, just that he's doing it at all.  This year will also be the first time that I'll be working at a poll.  It's not the most exciting job I'll ever have for a day, but I feel like I'm doing a good deed.  I consider it a step in the right direction on behalf of my generation, most of whom "can't be bothered."

Make an educated decision and do your civic duty.  Go vote on May 2.