I got a message on my answering machine from David Christopherson. He’s the NDP Member of Parliament for my area. The message was a carefully crafted wish for me to have a happy holidays and New Year. Now, what’s important to realize is that there’s a federal election coming up here next month, but the answering machine message didn’t even mention the election. It was just a seemingly friendly “Have a happy holidays” message. There was no mention of the election or of Christopherson’s campaign promises.
Frankly, I’m not going to vote for him. However, I’d be more inclined to vote for him had I not gotten this answering machine message. What strikes me is that I didn’t get a message like this from him last year, or the year before. In fact, no politician has ever phoned me, much less left me a message on my answering machine. It’s obvious to me that the only reason I got that call from Christopherson’s bank of automatic telephone dialing computers is because of next month’s election. Christopherson wants my vote, plain and simple. It bothers me that he couldn’t say it in the message though. He has a right to campaign. Why doesn’t he do it? Does he really think people are going to be charmed by him pretending to be a friend with holiday well-wishes? Bad friends only contact you when they want something, but I really distrust people who pretend they don’t want something when it’s clear they actually do.
None of the political leaders in this year’s campaign seem particularly honest and straightforward. They all seem to be saying things that they hope people will find appealing. There are a lot of wild promises being made, and vast sums of imaginary money being spent. It’s scary to me that perhaps the only one who seems rather sincere is Gilles Duceppe, the leader of the seperatist Bloc Quebecois. He is not hiding the fact that he wants Quebec to seperate from Canada, and he will do whatever it takes to promote the cause of a sovereign Quebec. I may not agree with his message or goal, but I can respect that he is being up front about it.
Maybe one day politicians will learn to give up on the public image management and other phony tricks, and just be real. Or maybe that’s the antithesis of politics? What do I know? I’m just a guy with a camera.
“I’m not perfect, and I may screw up … but I will do everything I can to fulfill promises I make now. I will post progress reports at regular intervals, and if for any reason I can not fulfill a promise, I will give clear and concise reasons as to why I was unable to do so”
Hmmmm, that sounds kinda funny … when I imagine it coming out of the mouth of a politician … but I STILL want to see and hear it!
What that sounds like is “I’m being humble now and giving myself the room to escape my promises later if I need to.” 😛
So the local NDP call you up with a non-political message to wish you a happy holiday season – and you get upset? Of all things to get upset about in this election, a politician being NICE and non-political seems to be the dumbest reason to upset you. With the Liberals being caught with both hands in the cookie jar, and the conservatives threatening a vote on minority rights, I think you could find other – more important – issues to get upset about.
You’re little rant is as petty as it gets. I suggest that you look at real issues before deciding on how to vote.
maybe you should learn to read before going off half-baked on me on my own blog, p kelly. here’s the elementary version for you:
maybe i’d like christopherson’s call better if he talked to me about the issues instead of pretending to be spreading holiday cheer. i never got calls from him in previous years, so it seems disingenuous for him to offer up these greetings this year, in the shadow of an upcoming election.
So, policitians get in trouble for campaigning over Christmas, and you rant at your local politician because he ISN’T politicking. You sound like a Liberal – trying to stand on both sides of an issue at the same time
You could come out of the political closet and declare what you are, instead of pretending to be ‘on the fence’. You probably are a decided voter, but used this painlfully feeble excuse to rail against the local NDP.
wow you really can’t read, can you? and do you honestly believe that christopherson’s call was not politicking? it appears to be a bit of an end-run around the “no campaigning over christmas” thing. if you’re truly charmed by a machine-recorded holiday greeting, you must seriously be starved for attention.
and you really like to insist on telling other people what to do. i’m flattered that you think you know me well enough to assign me to a political party. but is it so hard for you to believe that someone would put some thought into his vote? this campaign has hardly begun.
You can’t let this go can you?
I get automated calls all the time – from all parties. I hang up on them and dismiss them on the spot. I don’t go on the web and rant about the contents of the message and use it as an excuse for voting for/against a party. I’ll make that decision based on the issues – and not some campaign outreach contraption.
hey in case you forgot, this is my blog. i’ll write what i want on it. that freedom is part of the whole democratic system that you don’t appear to understand. it also allows me to decide on my own who to vote for. you’re the one who keeps coming here uninvited to tell me what to do. it’s just a blog post, dude. it’s based on one event, yet you are making a huge deal out of it. i’ll vote based on the issues, and i’m as well educated about them as most canadians. how could i not be? during election time we’re inundated with the broken record posturing of all of the leaders. i’m going to continue to give my opinion of the conduct of the candidates here whenever i feel like it, whether you like it or not.
Hah I got one of these as well from our local conservative runner.. I wonder if it’s the ‘tactic’ they chose to go by..as for this P kelly person.. for crying out loud are you blind?
Some friendly advice for you; If you’re going to randomly comment on someone’s personal blog, READ IT first. Should your intent be to portray yourself as an iliterate ass who prides themselves on leaving pointless comments on people’s personal blogs, ignore my advice and keep up the good work.
Kev, you rock and happy new year love.
I had the same thoughts while reading your entry.
It’s such a PR move (heh, I know all about those) and people fall for it.
I don’t get involved in politics. I don’t believe any of them.
And I will be flying to the moon when politicians become honest, heh.
finally an informed opinion! 😛
yeah..the same thing too… I donated my time for Olivia Chows events last year, and do you think she coulda pointed us in the right direction?? No ! Her lower downs asked us for more free stuuf from us!! the injury!! hehe and Just the other day, her office called asking for OUR support..