Vote Strategically

Minority governments are usually the best because a strong opposition can, if it wants, can act as watchdog for the people and can influence bad political decisions. Political positions that are unpopular with the people have a better chance at failure if the opposition join with the voter. Public outcry, media attention and the political gymnastics of the opposition can and have changed the ruling party's attempts at bad legislation and regressive platforms. The fear of 'elections' can limit the ability of the party in power to proceed with things not wanted by the people.
When casting your vote on Monday please consider the fact that it is the 'fear' that tends to keep the party in power in check. Absolute power... This phrase is true. A government left to its own devices will ignore campaign promises, platform convictions and the ideals upon which they campaigned. The concept of 'checks and balances' was built into the US Constitution although the ideal has been twisted and deferred by both the Democrats and Republicans there is no reason Canadians should relinquish their role as guardians of the process. Allowing any political party a ruling majority only serves to reduce the power of the people while at the same time encourages those in power to assume more control than deserved. Canada works best with minority governments as a modicum of accountability can be realized. Challenge and fear of loosing power can help maintain, at the least, a hint of democracy.
Polls still do not reflect the fact that Canadians have learned it is vital to keep politicians honest otherwise we will fall deeper into the pit of political control by the state until we reach the same depths as did the US during the Bush II reign.  Canada is still young enough to avoid those pitfalls but, Canadians will have to start 'strategic' voting in order to progress. By voting the incumbent out of office we can ensure no party has a grip on the country, its resources, its future or its people. A minority NDP or Liberal government would be good so long as the conservatives do not hold the balance of power.
It is abundantly clear that Jack Layton has evolved into a very good speaker and in comparison to Harper and Ignatief can captivate a crowd. The NDP are maturing in their platform and presentation. Perhaps it is time Canada gave them a chance to reinvigorate our country with their voiced platform that does affect the people rather than big business and corrupt politics. As first time representatives of the Canadian people in the form of government perhaps they would do a good job in comparison. Canada might benefit from the different and enthusiastic representation they offer. As they have lots to prove and have fought so hard for recognition maybe we would be doing Canada a favour by just simply rejecting the old and stale lies that the Liberals and Conservatives have subjected us to for over a century.
When you enter the polling booth please consider the experiences we have lived through during the Harper reign such as the G 8 Summit shenanigans, the extension of our involvement in Afghanistan, the treatment of 'suspected' terrorists including torture and the relationship with their US counterparts at Gitmo. Re-electing the Conservatives will only serve to strengthen the neo-con, right-wing movement as it attempts to spread itself across the whole continent. If you want legislation in Canada that mimics the Patriot Act and curtails freedom of speech, freedom to protest and strengthens the government's control by surveillance, police state behaviour and endorses security rather than freedom then vote the old, stale party back into power. If you want a better Canada and want to remain a unique and free people vote for change and opportunity.
If for no other reason than to slow down the march toward a regressive conservative country facing the loss of democracy in exchange for a country owned by, governed by and controlled by little neo-con stormtroopers. They are at the gates and if we don't stop them now it will be too late. Conserve the limited rights we have and vote them out.