It is what it is…

By Marc Chayer

The federal election!

Is it just me or are these guys trying to put us to sleep?

When one compares our prospects and how they “attack” the other, we pale in comparison to our southern cousins in the US. Can you imagine Donald trump in a meeting with say, Justin Trudeau?

Yeah, neither can I!

So far in this, the longest election in modern times, we have been bored to tears. I listened to some of the political pundits the other night talking about the apparent three-way tie of the main political parties and most commented that the election was too close to call. They went on to say that Canadians were waiting to get engaged in the debate.

For what it’s worth, I think the strategy has been, by everyone involved, to stay safe without any demonstration of leadership or vision. It’s no wonder most people are more interested in the Amazing Race Canada that they are in the federal election.

So far, the only emotion I have seen was the debate on whether or not Muslim women should be allowed to wear the niqab during Canadian Citizenship swearing-in ceremonies. We have seen little discussion from any of the parties about the plight of veterans, the environment, healthcare, or jobs. As I said, a lot of noise but no substance in anything I have heard to date.

However, we have had some moments that seem to have made their way into our day-to-day lives. My wife recently said she would vote Liberal to which I responded with a mild stroke while falling over in my chair. When pressed as to why, she stated simply, “Because he has nice hair!”

Our choices in this election are at best blurred between sound bites and hazy spending promises. The Liberals will spend us out of recession! The NDP will spend on the important things but will not raise taxes. (Hear that kids? You will get to pay our debts if Mulcair is elected!) Harper says steady as she goes.

One would almost think that, based on what we have heard, any one of the three main parties could get elected and, we, as an electorate would probably wake up one day surprised that an election even took place.

Missing from the puzzle that makes up this great nation is the voice of the youth and the seniors. This election has had a distinct void from either of these two demographics when in reality we should be hearing from both. Where is the little old lady who once confronted then Prime Minister Mulroney and said to him, “You lied to us… you made us vote for you then, “Goodbye, Charlie Brown!” The issue was his attempt to de-index senior’s pensions and the seniors demonstrated just what kind of political force they are.

Youth is another segment missing from this election. Nowhere have we seen any kind of voice come from this camp. University tuitions, etc. all escape the debate and the federal leaders don’t go anywhere near a subject that will wake up this group.

This election is scheduled to end in October with Election Day. But in the meantime, I hope that one or all of the leaders actually comes out with something worth talking about so we have choices.

This country is too great to ignore and its people deserve better.

It is what it is…