This is in response to Bob Pellow’s recent letter to the editor urging people here to vote ‘strategically.’
I have discussed the political scene with people of all stripes and everyone has been most respectful. The majority of voters are happy to come out of the political closet and have shared their genuine and well-founded concerns about voting in this upcoming election.
While there has been concern over splitting the left in days gone by, this is no longer the case. The great majority of Blues I have spoken with are as disappointed with Prime Minister Stephen Harper as all the other colours. Very few continue to stick their head in the sand and pretend all is well on the Blue front.
Those that are disheartened with the Blues are looking to vote Green. This is what happened in Saanich Gulf Islands in the last election when Elizabeth May won with a 7,000 vote majority over a sitting Conservative cabinet minister. There really is no Red presence in this riding, so they are looking to vote Green. Those who in the past have supported the Orange are well aware of the missed opportunities which they let slip by as opposition.
Above all else, it is time people make sure they vote. And when they vote, vote for who they want to represent them in Ottawa. When citizens vote based on a well-researched informed decision, isn’t that the basis of true democracy and the very best strategy, compared to pulling straws?
Susan BlacklinQualicum Beach