Ending Voter Apathy

Under normal circumstances, this would be the spot in which you would be listening to the latest episode of the chat show that I am doing with my pals JOSHUA, CARINE, and JONATHON.  You know, the show that is called MOTIVE4CHANGE in which we talk about topics designed to get youth thinking about a variety of subjects, and how youth can be the motivation necessary to bring about changes in the world.

That is...that's what normally is supposed to happen on MOTIVATION MONDAY.  But, as we all well know, things have a tendency to change.  And sometimes, real life can interfere with plans.

Which is why there's no episode to post today.

But don't worry.  The reason why there isn't an episode to watch is because of all good things.  As it turns out, most of us had some exciting things happen to us this week.  I was busy with family commitments (seriously, it's very rare that most of us in my family have a get together, so whenever they do happen, I take advantage.)

But for Joshua and Carine, the week was filled with a lot of excitement.   In fact, I want to have all of you join me in congratulating both Joshua and Carine on their graduation from college!  They both earned their diplomas on the weekend, and they are absolute proof that hard work definitely pays off.  I am very proud of both of them, and I am sure that they will do extremely well in future endeavours.

And, while we're on the subject, Jonathon is on his way to university this coming fall, so let's wish him well on his journey to greatness.  Make us all proud!

Again, I can't help but stress the importance of hard work in this case.  All three of my MOTIVE4CHANGE partners worked extremely hard for their success, and I want them to know just how much their work is appreciated.

In fact, given that there's no show for today, it dawned on me that I should try to find some way to salvage this blog entry in some manner.  But how?

Well, I suppose that I could lead a discussion on a topic that could have a major effect on not just youth, but anybody in the world. 

Yes.  That's exactly what I plan on doing.  Since the MOTIVE4CHANGE episode for this week is being postponed to another day, I'll kick off a discussion myself.

Just fair warning though.  This is a discussion that seems to go against every bit of hard work that my MOTIVE4CHANGE pals have displayed over the last couple of years...but yet, it's a discussion that needs to be had because it's this blogger's opinion that this subject is everything that is wrong with the world today.

That's why today I want to talk about apathy.  And, to be completely honest with you, I absolutely hate apathy of any kind.

In case you're wondering what apathy is, I'll explain it.  Apathy is the feeling one feels when they have a lack of interest, concern, or enthusiasm on any given topic in the world.

And, well, let's face it.  All of us are guilty of being apathetic at some point.  I'll admit it myself.  I'm apathetic towards sports, religion, commercialism, and anybody with the last name of Kardashian.  And, in small doses, a little bit of apathy can be considered quite healthy.  It allows us to focus more on the things that we all should care about.  Things like family, school, health, and "The Big Bang Theory".

But when we take on an apathetic stance on everything in the world...well, as far as I'm concerned, it's overkill. 

Many of you reading this will likely not know this at all, but on June 12, 2014, the province of Ontario will be going to the polls to elect a new government.  Our choices this time around?  Well, we have Andrea Horwath, Tim Hudak, and Kathleen Wynne.  And, yes, I already know who I will be voting for this time around, and no I am not going to tell anybody how I will be making my choice this time around.  But the point is that as someone who is a Canadian citizen, resident of Ontario, and is of legal age to cast a vote, I plan on making my vote count.

But, apparently during our last election in Ontario, I was probably only one of the few who actually did.  The last time we had an election in Ontario was in 2011, and that year was registered as an all-time low for voter turnout...less than 50% came out to the polls.

I just don't understand it. 

I mean, let's face it.  Ontario's a province in trouble.  The economy is terrible, budget blunders are causing problems with health care and education, and over the next five years, because of scandals involving gas plants and the like, our power bills are expected to go up 42% over the next five years.  That's ridiculous.

Why, with so many economic and social problems in Ontario, you'd think that the upcoming election would cause more people to get out there and make their voices heard, right?

Well...no. 

Truth is, I've talked to a lot of people about the election, and many refuse to cast a vote.  Their opinion is that all politicians are money grubbing crooks who are only out to line their own pockets with gold while simultaneously destroying the middle class.  A harsh opinion for certain.

Sigh...but you know, I can't say I blame people for feeling this way.  Honestly the three candidates who are in the running are quite polarizing figures.  It's certainly one of the reasons why I won't go into politics.  You definitely need a thick skin for that job, and I can honestly say that I don't have it for that job.  Though, I think I would look fairly good in a suit and tie...

...ahem, what was I saying?  Oh, yeah.  Candidates.

It's not easy for me to make a choice in this election.  However, considering that this is MOTIVATION MONDAY, I encourage all of you in Ontario to try and make a decision and let your choice known.  Because to be honest with you, it's time for a change.  If things remain stagnant for too long, more people will stop caring.  And if enough people stop caring, things will become much harder.

I mean, think about it like this.  Imagine being one of the few employees in your company that actually cares about providing customer service, while everyone else around you is more concerned with their games of Candy Crush on their computers in their cubicles.  It's enough to make you throw your hands in the air and join along.  Problem is that if nobody worked, the business would shut down.  If the business shuts down, those people would have no jobs.  But you also have to consider that the people who provide the supplies for the business would automatically lose sales too, which could lead to company lay-offs.  It's an extreme situation, mind you, but not one that is impossible.

I mean, it's just something to think about.  You may not like any of the candidates at all.  But if you don't like what's happening in the province, or the country, or the world...do something about it.  You can start by making your voice heard at the polls.  You know I'll be there.