Canada's election

Monday morning Carroll and I proudly snapped our vote into the ballot box.  We were part of the larger than expected electorate who turned out to determine who represents us in Ottawa.  We are part of the majority, both locally and across Canada, who voted in a strong Conservative majority government. Our prime minister, Stephen Harper, won his first majority after leading two minority governments.  Locally, Conservative, Dan Albus, took 53 per cent of the vote.  For the first time ever, a member of the Green party, Elizabeth May, from the B.C. riding in the Gulf Islands, gained a seat in parliament.  Another first is the very liberal party, the NDP (National Democratic Party), gained enough seats to become the official opposition.

In this house we listen to radio reports and read platforms in the local newspaper, but we do not get excited about politics.  I know government influences my life but I have somewhat of a fatalistic attitude that there will always be corruption in government, at least until the Saviour comes the second time.  I am happy the Conservatives are in power because they espouse the same values I have and because I believe they helped a little to keep our economy stronger than most (better than our huge neighbour to the South) these days, but on the other hand this election came about because the Conservative government was defeated on a contempt-of-Parliament vote.  They said they were giving all the info requested, when they were not.

The death of Osama bin Laden is exciting news.  Love hearing about how the U.S. Navy Seals elite team executed their assignment.  I do not rejoice in the death.  However I do rejoice that he is no longer a factor in the safety of the world, even while recognizing others take his place.  Some commentators are saying the Taliban are a fading power in the world, but I believe there will be increasing violence in the world until the Second Coming.

So what is the common man to do?  My bit of wisdom today is:  Live life the best you can for today (repent, forgive and love) and then in the eternal perspective it does not matter when you die.  The best preparation for more wars and natural disasters:  Live life the best you can today.  Do not put off your repentance or forgiving others or acts of love and kindness.