I'm Revealing a Secret...

I am about to divulge a secret that may not be earth-shattering to those who know me but for some (those who would never read this blog probably), it may be revolutionary.

I have..... never voted Conservative. It's true. I guess I've always had a soft spot for social justice and social justice doesn't usually fit well with the Conservative agenda. Maybe it's the type of education I had and issues I chose to research while in university. Maybe it's because I've always had an eye cast around the world - keeping track of genocides, intra-state conflict and things like that. When I was in highschool, I kept every newspaper clipping I could find related to the Rwandan war/genocide. This might be considered odd or morbid by many but I haven't yet been able to throw them out even though I know it's probably accessible on the internet somewhere.

I respect everyone's right to make their choice and even announce their choice to others. Heck, I'm joining the bandwagon right now! (Sort of...) My political leanings are something of a secret because I don't usually discuss politics with family or friends. I dislike it. I suppose it's a good thing for people to feel passionate but I'm not always comfortable with the type of passion I encounter. This is usually when I draw back and make a decision not to discuss how I really feel about the political discussion at the table. I like to be informed. I like to know about things before I try to convince everyone else that I really do know what I'm talking about. Perhaps another word to describe this is cautious. Perhaps cowardice.

Two things are troubling me - firstly, the amount of falsehoods projected as accepted truths. Please be informed prior to declaring facts (or views) that you've probably heard from someone you might consider reliable. It almost pains me to read facebook statuses full of misconceptions and falsehoods coupled with the zeal of the converted. I want so much to comment and say - 'Actually, there is no coalition. Actually, the Liberals were more fiscally responsible throughout the 90s, eliminated the deficit and laid the regulatory groundwork for the banking system (However flawed it may be.).' But I won't. I won't say it because I don't like confrontation so much. I feel like many of the political opinions expressed lately have been more aggressive than necessary. There is a way to discuss politics without speaking in absolutes. There is a way to listen to each other even though most people would rather be heard. (Btw - I feel hypocritical writing this in a blog where I am the one being heard.)

So, happy campaigning my friends. Please remember to consider your arguments before passing it off as fact, understanding that we all make mistakes now and then. Also, please be civil and kind. We all have reasons for choosing to vote the way we do - one may think about their pension, another their tax credit. Or maybe it's the war in Afghanistan. Have your reasons, have your passion and be nice.