Two down and one to go. The year is only half over and St. Albert voters have already been through unexpected provincial and municipal elections with a federal election coming in the fall in which, if the polls are any indication, Prime Minister Stephen Harper may be facing one of the toughest political battles of his career. That is a heck of a lot of politics for voters to think through in the course of only one year, but if you are the type to complain about it, you really should consider some of the alternatives.
We could be living in Greece, where the threat of national bankruptcy and rampant unemployment are more than a passing crisis. As in other areas of the Eurozone, such as Italy, they have become a way of life. Instead of looking to a future of prosperity and satisfaction, many well-educated, resourceful young people wonder if they will get the chance to do any meaningful work.
Or, we could live in Ukraine, a country where its largest and most powerful neighbour is becoming increasingly undemocratic under Vladimir Putin’s fist, as it shows almost no respect for sovereign borders as evidenced in Crimea and large areas of eastern Ukraine. Where 6,500 hundred people have died in a conflict that is still treated with denial in Moscow.
Or, we could be living with the threat of violence in the Middle East, where dozens and dozens of battles against the Islamic State have grown increasingly horrific and difficult. Where millions live in fear and uncertainty in refugee camps in Lebanon with the knowledge that they may not return to their homes for years, if ever. Where democracy may never break the chains of religious fanaticism or military control despite the brief euphoria of the Arab Spring.
Or, we could be living in turmoil, fear and poverty in numerous African countries, where hundreds of thousands have risked their futures in crowded rusty boats headed for Europe, rather than to stay on a continent where they often fear for their lives. Where 10,000 refugees in Burundi have fled into neighbouring countries to escape the political unrest and violence brought on by a national election.
So as we celebrate Canada today, we should all take a moment to say a thank you to our forbears for bequeathing us this wonderful democracy. We may face some difficult challenges, but compared to many other places, it is important to remember we’ve got it good. We truly do live in a country where a vote can make a big difference and that must be cherished.
