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LETTER OF THE DAY | Nov. 29, 2005 "Of course we're cynical. We are again being asked to chose the best of a bad lot." READ OUR COVERAGE: Canadians face winter vote Environics Research for CBC; Nov. 21 to Nov. 25; Sample size 1,641; Margin of error +/- 2.5%, 19 times out of 20 Of course we're cynical. We are again being asked to chose the best of a bad lot. We're being told to chose between the devil we know and the devils we don't. This has to be the most infuriating moment in Canadian politics that I can remember. Those of us who think that voting is a right, a duty and a privilege are hamstrung by lack of choice. I sincerely have no idea where I will place my "X" when the time comes. And I suspect that the overwhelming majority of Canadians feel the same way. While I'm convinced that we will end up with a virtual carbon copy of the House of Commons as it sat yesterday, the irony is staggering. This election was called because the opposition parties had "lost confidence" in the government. Well, so have we. The Gomery report made sure of that. But what alternative do we have? The election was called due to non-confidence and will be put to an electorate who has no confidence in any of the four parties. I feel there are only two possible outcomes of this election. The first option is that Stephen Harper might suddenly come up with a way to stop scaring Canadians. Better still, the Conservatives might install a new leader. In either of those events, the Conservatives may pull a minority government out of the hat. Is this the best option? Hardly. I think that most Canadians feel as I do about the new conservatives. They are too far right for our taste. The second option, however, is even worse. If we install another minority Liberal government, they may take it as vindication. God forbid. The arrogance of these people is such that they might actually take it as approval of their past actions. And so the feeding frenzy will continue. Hogs at the trough, if you will. The Liberals need to be ejected, but it won't happen because of the alternative, or lack thereof. This is truly a sad commentary on the state of politics in our fair land. Oh, to have an option. The only real option is "none of the above". —Debbie Burton | Newfoundland and Labrador YOUR SPACE: Letters on recent topics Canadians will choose their next government on Jan. 23. "Not exactly thrilled at yet another election, and a winter one at that." School abuse victims getting $1.9B "The Government can never pay enough for what has happened to my family and I." 'Inclusive' name change needles N.S. tree grower "Complete inclusivity is neither respectful or possible..." Boisclair says PQ won't be bound by law governing referendums "I have always viewed the so-called Clarity Act as an unjustified infringement on the self-determination of the people of Quebec." U.S. official admits phosphorus used as weapon in Iraq "Just another example of the Bush/U.S. hypocrisy." Liberals cut taxes as election looms "In probably less than two months, the people will be going to the polls. This is evident from the Liberals lavish spending of taxpayers money." Ottawa accused of not helping Canadian held at Guantanamo "Please I don't want my tax dollars helping him." Layton won't back Liberals "Thank you Mr. Layton. Your action is appreciated. I for one will welcome a Christmas election." U.S. Senate OK's drilling in Arctic refuge "I am outraged that such a highly damaging disgusting project actually got passed." ^TOP CBC Ombudsman Jobs | Contact Us | Permissions | Help | RSS Terms of Use | Privacy | Copyright | Other Policies Copyright © CBC 2005 MENU VIEWPOINT MAIN PAGE YOUR LETTERS ARCHIVE Letters of the Day FEEDBACK: Questions or comments? Email us! LETTER OF THE DAY: "Of course we're cynical. We are again being asked to chose the best of a bad lot." —Debbie Burton | Newfoundland and Labrador » MORE MORE: Print this page Send a comment