As a petitioner against the HST I have encountered doubters, skeptics and even some haters. On the flip side I also found so many people that feel injustice, outrage truly care.
What started out as a tax protest has turned into a call for democracy. If nothing else, this has created an open dialogue about provincial politics that I had never seen before.
Young and old are actually discussing current events, and most of all, forming opinions - their own opinions. The cloak of indifference is being shed and a stand is being taken.
So, now, we will let every politician, would-be or otherwise, know the will of the constituents is the deciding force and they'll choose how this province will be run, not a po;itical party.
I know I am not the only one who will think twice before bringing out the debit card after July 1.
Will I dine out at our fabulous local restaurants? Not today. How about doing a family fishing charter? Maybe next year. Gym membership? Later. Chocolate bar? No.
How about buying a new home? In my dreams. Haircut? I can go a couple more weeks at least. New outfit for a child who wears adult clothes? They don't really need it.
At least we can say some other time to the examples above. What about the ones we can't?
So,as we march toward July 1, if you are a registered voter sign the petition. If you're not registered, have already signed, or are too young, talk with friends, family, co-workers, neighbours, anyone.
E-mail and Facebook message anyone you have ever met who lives in the province. Ask if they have signed in their riding yet.
I said from day one we can do this. Let's show Gordon Campbell that we the people will not fade into the background, that we will no longer suffer the slings and arrows of outrageous politics.
Sam Raven
Smithers
