Leo Yu: Finding the courage to take action this federal election

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      “This is a crazy election.” —Carol Off (“As It Happens”, CBC Radio, October 5, 2015)

      We’re less than two weeks away from the federal election and there’s no doubt people are getting anxious. There are countless volunteers hitting the pavement to make a case for their chosen candidates of all stripes. This feels like the most important election we’ve had in my lifetime.

      Still, I feel hopeful. As my friend Christine Boyle said in a sermon at St. Andrew’s-Wesley United Church recently, “We come from old and ancient stories. Stories that are older than this electoral system, older than this economic system. We come from stories that remind us that all sorts of miraculous transformation is possible.”

      In recent weeks, this election has been dominated by fear-mongering and racism (search #BarbaricCulturalPractices on Twitter), by assumptions that Canadians are suspicious and self-interested. I don’t think we are. And so, we all need to make our own stories heard no matter the size of our audience, despite the fact that anything we say or do can be misinterpreted or misconstrued, and thrown back at us.

      Even a story as simple as the one about Jesus of Nazareth, who cared for the poor and confronted an oppressive regime, can be turned on its head to justify greed and destruction. Yet the story of Jesus has inspired me profoundly. It gives me the courage to challenge a culture of fear and self-interest.

      It takes courage to speak up and take action. Although I’ve never had the courage to go bungee jumping or skydiving, I’m not afraid to talk to my family and friends about what matters most to me—social and climate justice.

      This isn’t surprising if you consider my background. My parents, grandparents, and great-grandparents were Chinese immigrants who persevered despite living in poverty and facing discrimination in Canada. My immediate family has benefited from the public healthcare system when dealing with serious illnesses like cancer, depression, and neurological disease.

      I was born and raised in Vancouver where I breathe fresh air and drink clean water, and I feel at home by the ocean, forests, and mountains. That's why a strong public sector and a healthy environment are so important to me. 

      The good news is people have been working incredibly hard on these issues.

      I think three issues that are particularly vital this election are: reforming our electoral system to proportional representation, implementing an affordable quality childcare program, and divesting from fossil fuels by our institutions. 

      Proportional representation electoral systems can help ensure our political leaders are working for the best interests of us all, not just a few. A national childcare program can give greater financial independence and choice for women and young families in particular. Divestment sends a clear message that fossil fuel companies no longer have the social license they require to operate. All of these solutions are good for our communities and economy.

      If you don’t normally vote because you’re fed up with a broken political system, then this election is your chance to help fix it by voting and making your voice heard. “In 2011, a majority of people voted for a change in government, but our broken voting system gave the Harper Conservatives 100% of the power with just 39% of the vote. This time, if we vote together, we can stop the riding-by-riding vote splitting that lets Harper win,” according to votetogether.ca

      There are so many other reasons to vote for change: refugee crisis, missing and murdered indigenous women, unaffordable housing, surveillance state, pipelines, and fracking, to name just a few. 

      It takes courage to convince yourself that your voice matters. But it does. Your voice matters. Your actions matter. It’s time to vote.

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