We don't need to settle for second best anymore..

I have recently joined the Green Party as well, and I agree that many in Canada seem far too complacent. Many people that I work with can't stand the bickering between the leading parties, and don't yet realize that there is another option for them that is forward thinking and cooperative. I am concerned that the average Canadian still thinks of the GOP as a fringe party, and doesn't appreciate the depth of the Green Party. We really need to promote this party as "The third option" (As first stated on another recent blog post). The best way to do this is to continue to promote working with the other parties when the opportunities to do so without compromising our values arise; but until those moments come, we should distance ourselves from knee jerk coalitions. The back and forth mud slinging and irrational behavior brought about by ABC can only serve to draw in all of those who chose not to vote in the last election. I can't stand what Harper has said and done lately, but he is our elected leader, and the idea of encouraging others to vote strategically at the cost of green votes hasn't gotten us anywhere to date. For voters to take the GOP seriously, we must stand on our own ground and promote our own platform. Hopefully more and more people are waking up to just what all of the different parties stand for.

I also agree that Canada has much to offer the world, especially in the way of how to best manage our plentiful natural resources and use them in the most responsible, efficient way possible. The greens need to get the message out on how they would do this, because so far it just isn't hitting home for the average voter. Canadians still have a very large appetite for energy, (what else would you expect of a huge northern country?) so why not invest in showing the world that you can have your cake and eat it too? This would also do a great deal to restore much of the national pride that has been lost in recent years. As a develped nation we should be moving forwards, not fighting to maintain things as they are now. (Think auto bailout....) There are so many different options for green energy, and we have such a variety of geography and climate that we ought to be a country that showcases everything green energy has to offer!

Too bad so many are content with the status quo, we could be doing better. As far as getting the message out there... I have started to just speak up, and start conversations with anyone willing to become engaged in change.

Thanks,

Tim.