On Strategic Voting
I came across this brilliant illustration today which cleverly explains the glaring flaw in the “first past the post” election system.
This does do a good job in demonstrating that in our current system it is seldom the majority that chooses the government. However, it is this sort of overly simplistic kindergarten level argument that keeps us from understanding how the system actually can work.
First of all, I’ve never asked my friends where we should go for a drink and then told them to answer by secret ballot. As well, I’m guessing that the name of the coffee shop in the above example is, in fact, “Coffee Shop.” If not, then I immediately call into question the legitimacy of this election. If the 70% knew they could just vote for “pub” it would be a landslide!
If the majority really feel that they’re being hosed, the 70% in this case, don’t you think it stands to reason that they are the ones who have some figuring to do? Can’t they get on the same page? The Castle has live bands, but the Queen’s Head has the fairest prices in town. Maybe it’s worth it to drink in silence… if we really want a beer that is. The four of them should get together and thwart the Coffee party. Then 40% would rule and 30% would feel their needs are being met well enough while the other 30% complain that this government is a bunch of drunks! This is not strategic voting. This is settling your differences and creating a more popular choice for voters.
Lastly, isn’t there something to be said about having the people who would rather drink coffee running the show? Think about that. The people who would see this ad and realize only then that the FPTP system is bunk are not who I would describe as ideal voters. Imagine if the decisions made in the company you work for were made via democratic process. Maybe there’s a solid argument for having a capable few do the deciding around here.
Yeah, I jest. But these are serious issues. They require serious thought. You should shudder to think that the above ad is being discussed in bar rooms and blogs right now by those who believe it is a legitimate argument.
About Government and the Internet…
This is a letter to Prime Minister Stephen Harper, though I’m certain he won’t read it. Nonetheless, I feel I could add several hundred thousand signatures to the bottom of it.
On the topic of usage based billing…
Canadians are well aware that we pay among the highest internet service fees in the developed world. Now, we’re learning that the companies who offer these fees are contemplating a user based billing scheme that will drive the price of internet service up.
It bewilders us to know that you, Prime Minister, are the steward of the economy, intent on protecting corporations from tax hikes so they can continue to employ Canadians at the rate they do now. Yet when those same companies engage in predatory pricing practices, you offer no protection for those same Canadians you claim you seek to protect.
You are a master economist whose record shows that you don’t favour government intervention in the markets. We remember the look of loathing on your face when you purchased a share of an American car company on your birthday with Canadian money. Your apprehension to create a stimulus package during the recession was noted. Yet, you’ve done nothing to indicate a willingness to open the telecommunications industry to be more competitive. This is what we want.
The oligopoly of major Canadian ISPs and wireless providers has Canadians by the short ones. Where shall we turn when the major net providers begin to throttle or charge us per byte?
Canadians are jealous of American and British models because we know they are possible here and we deserve them.
Prime Minister Harper… please deregulate this industry to the point that Canadians have a choice between these bitter-pill business practices and a competitor willing to offer humane, reasonable rates.
In short, 18 month cell phone contracts are long enough. All TV channels should be available a la carte. Internet should be significantly cheaper. A Canadian telecom utility bill should be closer to $50 than it is to $200. This would mark a real savings to Canadians.
The future is online. Move to give us unbridled access to it. Open up the marketplace.
Attn: Youth Vote!
I just watched the YouTube video above. It’s adorable. I love the way the hipsters, or whomever the coffee shop crowd of idealists are these days, use their voice. Don’t misunderstand me. I dig your franchise. I dig your message. I even dig your production values. But I always get the sense that some of these messages come from inside a very small bubble.
Today’s hot facebook vid makes a great point: You shouldn’t be influenced by celebs to vote. You should be voting of your own accord because it’s a powerful thing to do. Then it goes on to say that because over 40% you didn’t vote, Canadians got a government that didn’t truly represent them. I’m sure some fool’s logic can back this up, but I ain’t buying it. Although, I suppose a truly reflective parliament would have 40% of MPs… absent? Or sleeping all the time? How do you demonstrate apathy once elected?
Anyhow… visit ShitHarperSays.com. You know, like the poop. And this is why it’s adorable.
I know Stephen Harper did a lot to make Canada more difficult for you. If you’re an artist, maybe it was a little more difficult for you to get a grant for your film that you claim has such incredible value to our national fabric. I’m not going to defend the guy, because I think the Conservatives are getting away with a lot more than they should. But…
And this is why it’s really adorable…
This hot little PSA lives in a Canada where no other party has been guilty of corruption of any sort. Aw. That’s as cute as the puppy at the end. Welcome to Canadian politics. This is a country where a lot of people drive pick-up trucks to work. A place where people hate being thought of as pussies on the world stage. A country where a lot of people like the idea of fighter jets and private healthcare. Canada is a place that elected Rob Ford in Toronto because people liked his message. Canada… is not some airy-fairy fantasyland where we should all get along and everybody should have a place made for them. It is a real place, with a real economy, and real problems that require real solutions for real outcomes.
While you’re visiting ShitHarperDid.com, please take a moment to think about this: Harper has done some douchy things during his minority stints… this whole “contempt of Parliament” thing comes to mind. But just because neither Layton or Ignatieff have had the chance to do similarly douchy things does not mean we’d be in the clear with one of them as our leader.
Perhaps this is one of our country’s greatest weaknesses come election time; our knee-jerk emotional reaction at the polling station. Use your head and vote for the country you want.
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