Dear Freedom Fighters,
I’m happy to see so many people “waking up” to engage
in Canadian politics and the wonderful democracy we live in. So nice of you to
finally join us. Despite what your signs and “calls to action” may suggest,
there are a whole bunch of us who’ve actually been up for a while. In fact, we’ve
had breakfast, cleaned up, and are sitting at the table with our second cup of
coffee. We heard you rumbling around up there and wondered when you’d finally
grace us with your presence. Alas! Here you are.
So, for those of you just joining us, I want you to
know just because you’re choosing to engage in politics at this moment,
does not mean you automatically get what you want. That’s not how
democracy works. Yes, absolutely, everyone has the right to share their view,
opinions, and voice their concerns; it’s a beautiful thing, democracy. As a member
of a democracy, it’s inspiring to see any movement capable of rousing members previously
asleep at the wheel. However, just because you’ve finally realized you, too,
can participate, does not mean, you automatically get what you want, when you
want it. Again, that is not how democracy works.
I’m not a political junkie by any means, nor am I a political
scientist, however, I am a Canadian who has participated wholeheartedly in the electoral
process of all levels of government since given the opportunity back in 2005. What
I’ve learned throughout those elections is that, like in any contest, sometimes
your person wins, and sometimes they don’t. It doesn’t mean the losing
perspective isn’t valid, or wasn’t heard, it just means that more people chose
the other perspective. The majority, as determined by these federal,
provincial, and municipal elections, pick the people that make up the government
and by doing so issue directives (aka mandates) based on those elected officials' platforms. Being in the minority can be disappointing and disheartening, but it
doesn’t mean the election was unjust or invalid. But thankfully, it also doesn’t
disqualify you from trying again next time.
Canadians just went to the polls, not 4 months ago. One
of the main ballot box issues, for those choosing to inform themselves before
heading to the polls, was literally “how do we, as Canadians, want to navigate
out of the pandemic”. The majority of Canadians who took the time to engage
with the democratic process, voted in favour of continuing to navigate the
pandemic using public health guidance. Therefore, public health restrictions
were not sneakily applied, or undemocratically imposed on Canadians. We, as
voting Canadians, chose the path we’re on. If you feel otherwise, simply because
it wasn’t the path you and your convoy voted for (or would have voted for if you did not exercise your right to vote), that’s on you and I encourage you
all to make sure you show up to the ballot box this summer (provincial), this
fall (municipal) and in 4 years (federal). While you’re at it, consider working
at the polls, we could use the extra hands. But in the meantime, you should go
home, engage with the politicians who best represent your views and determine what
you can do to help them get elected next time. Unfortunately, I doubt honking
horns, setting off fireworks, dancing in the street, or playing road hockey (although
all fun activities) will be on their lists of how you can help.
But in all seriousness, I hope that all newly engaged-with-the-democratic-process
Canadians continue to engage long after this protest is done, because, while I
don’t agree with a lot of what you have to say, democracies work best when
diverse voices contribute.
Sincerely,
An already awake (and free) Canadian
