I like your writing. I am a widowed 63 year old mother, grandmother and great grandmother. I was christened Pentecost; married in the United Church twice; christened all children there. I haven’t been attending for quite a long time. I am very disappointed in the United Church’s lack of response and support to the aboriginal people who were sexually abused and how they treated one of their own ministers. As a person who has been sexually abused myself I can empathize with the survivors and know what it’s like not to be believed. In 1991 my offender plead guilty following 2 years of upheaval after I disclosed at 42 to the police. I have been been very active in sexual abuse issues and mental illness/health.
I think this is why I have such a hard time with the Conservative party. They have been caught in so many lies and such disrespect for Canadian values. Such a betrayal of trust and abuse of power they’re even losing some of their own members. I like Jack Layton but I don’t believe they have the overall ability that is required at the present time. So I guess we’ll see what happens on May 2nd. I only hope everyone gets out and votes. Safe hugs to all.
Carol Crocker

It is unfortunate you seem to be basing your choice of vote more on the actions or perceived actions of one person. As you know, an MP in the Opposition can only do so much in the best of times. I think we can agree that the Harper times, have not been the best of times. Personally, I’ve never seen such a partisan abusive government as his.

The NDP is like any other political party, their ideals stand firm until they meet reality and then they shift. As they have not been in government they don’t yet carry the baggage that the other two parties carry. They also don’t have the experience in government which is so crucial right now.

You seem to be assuming the movement in the polls towards the NDP is youth led. There is nothing in the polls to indicate the age demographics of those being polled so I will suggest this is an assumption of yours not based on fact. I think it is wonderful the young people are motivated to vote. In fact, I hope every Canadian of all legal age votes. The fact is, young people can be as diverse in their political views as any other age group.

I urge you to go back and follow the link to the article about the 1988 election and give some careful reading the manipulation orchestrated there. Then give some careful thought to the possibility this is happening again. If you are voting NDP because you really support the party and/or their platform, go for it. Just don’t do so because you are jumping on a bandwagon.