#56 BARB'S REFLECTIVE 150- 1917 WOMEN GET THE VOTE IN ONTARIO

Although women got to vote in Manitoba first in Canada in 1916, follwed by Saskatchewan and Alberta, woment in Ontario got to vote in 1917. 50 years after Confederation. Only 100 years ago. So the vote is an important part of democracy. Whatever the election, always get out and vote. Teach your children the importance of voting.

DEMOCRACY AT WORK IN CANADA

Despite the fact I don't care much for the new prime minister elect, the Canadian people have voted with a 68% turnout. A majority government is usually better than a minority one so business does get done. But election promises are just that. Canada's economy had fared well in the world so the promise to kickstart something that was not broken does not make sense to me. Experinece teaches be careful what you ask, pray wish! Also- plus ca change plus ca la meme chose! Our country swings red than blue now red again. I want to thank Prime Minister Harper for many of the tough decisions he made and for serving our great nation. Like standing up to Putin! Anyone that serves the public should be thanked at the end of the day. Some still say Pearson was one of the best prime ministers with many of the programs he put in place. Democracy is a good thing. Canadians often vote for various reasons. However saying we need change for the sake of change is rather disconcerting. This Canadian does not see much change is needed. I will continue to work my ass off at home and work. Anyone that comes to this great nation should do the same. No free rides! Love my family and am willing to care for all the members as needed. Care about my community. Donate to relevant causes- internationally, nationally, locally. Politically agree to disagree. Continue to follow the humanitarian values.

 It is why my grandfather fought in World War One. It is why my Dad fought in World War Two. Yeah Canada. Yeah Democracy at work!

LIFE IS LIKE A MUSICAL INSTRUMENT

Each person is given a life to live. How we live it depends on many aspects- geography, family, culture, education, gender, health and position in the family, i.e. oldest, youngest, middle, only boy, only girl! Sometimes we are able to make choices about how to proceed. In a democracy like Canada, the choices are not necessarily endless but are much better than other parts of the world. So if you were a musical instrument, what kind of instrument would you be! Would you stand alone or want to be part of a group or orchestra? Do you like recognition and want to be in public? Or are your accomplishments personal and you want your privacy? Perhaps you need to ponder the questions? Considering there are many different instruments. Some are reflective of the country. Even drums change depending on the environment. Remember the beginning of the Sydney Olympics and the drummers from around the world. So the same instrument can change depending on the person. Some instruments play loudly and others are soft!   Some are big and others can be carried under your arm! The music made by some is beautiful and others is just noisy! Lastly, life would be a little dull without music!

HAPPY JULY 4TH

A weekend of Nations' celebrations. Although we can have our differences, I always feel good that Canadians and Americans make good neighbours. There are other countries and nationalities that would be difficult to have on our borders. Then our Mexican cousins to the south are wonderful too. Trips there are always fun. So here's to celebrating democracy! Let's continue to hope other nations on this great earth will be given the opportunity to determine their own course. What are you doing with all the celebrations? Did you have a good Canada Day? Are you celebrating the 4th of July? Do you have some special family celebrations?

ELECTION DAY CANADA

Just vote! No complaining about politicians or politics if you do not practice your voting right.
We are very fortunate to live in a country such as Canada with democratic rights. Do you always vote?

DO WE APPRECIATE DEMOCRACY?

No matter what we may think of individual politicians, Canada is a democratic country. As events continue to unfold in other parts of the world as people are craving their regimes to be over by demonstrating in the streets, do we as Canadians appreciate the freedoms we have? We can vote or not! As many people chose to stay home and not vote in all levels of government- a freedom that many in other nations desire. Our laws are exemplary and protect us. Our police and armed forces are there for us. We women have had the vote since 1917 and have not looked back. What freedoms do you cherish? What do you feel about our democracy? Do you love being a Canadian as I do? What are your thoughts?