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www.oakvillebeaver.com The Oakville Beaver, Wednesday September 24, 2008 - 7 LETTERS TO THE EDITOR Car free day was care free day Vote for your party of choice It is 7:45 a.m. (Monday, Sept. 22) and I have just returned from riding with my wife, Jane, to the Bronte GO Station. The idea came to us on Saturday morning when we cycled to the Kerr Street Market -- what a wonderful place. Jane mentioned that Sept. 22 was Car Free Day in Oakville and that she wanted to pedal to the GO Train on Monday. (I was a GO commuter for nine years myself and now work and volunteer in Oakville). So, we left our home at Third Line and Upper Middle at 7:10 a.m. to catch the 7:28 a.m. train. By car, we normally leave at 7:10 a.m. to catch the 7:28 a.m. and sometimes get there in time for the 7:38 a.m. You GO commuters will know what I am talking about. We arrived at the bike rack at 7:23 a.m. and As I speak with friends about the election, I keep hearing people talk about how fed up they are with the process. Somewhere along the way, decisions have deteriorated into strategic or protest voting and people have become mired in confusion in trying to figure out whether to vote for the local candidate or party leader or platform. Well, no wonder. Three elections in four years, fearmongering, attack ads, rhetoric, bickering, scandals and opportunistic and broken campaign promises, don't exactly encourage participatory democracy and have left many potential voters feeling jaded. When people cast their votes out of fear or use it as a weapon, rather than voting for their preferred leader or party policy, we no longer have a truly representative government. We will never be able to move beyond fear mongering and strategic voting if people don't start following their hearts and heads and vote for what they really want, rather than against what they don't want. I've come to the conclusion that no vote, cast for a preference, is a wasted vote. And here's why. It's the old gum wrapper analogy. If one person throws a small gum wrapper on the ground, he feels it doesn't make any difference -- it's barely noticeable. If everyone has that philosophy, pretty soon a million gum wrappers are flying around and we're surrounded by trash. When the people speak (or roar as they did over the inclusion of Elizabeth May in the debates), all the parties sit up and listen. It's clear that each party is seeing a shift in traditional supporters and that the growing support for a smaller party influences the policies of the major parties. Nothing would make me happier than to see voters come out in record numbers, and vote for what they want. Carpe diem. LIN MACKRAEL Jane Yager can't tell you how many cars we passed on our way through the parking lot. We arrived safely, on time, stress free and it didn't cost us a dime. On my way back home, several car drivers smiled at me and waved me through the intersection at Third Line and the South Service Road, as they waited to make the right-hand turn towards the 7:38 a.m. What a great way to start our day. I hope Jane has a good ride home. BRIAN AND JANE YAGER The Oakville Club Where You Belong Since 1968 For a limited time join one of Ontario's finest athletic and social clubs at a 50% reduction. Nestled on the edge of Oakville's harbour, the Oakville Club is steeped in the rich history of its lore and the modern elixir of active relaxation. Offering a unique blend of sport and social engagements, the club appeals to the kinetic lifestyle in a tranquil setting. Families discover a compass of generations and a place to forge new memories. Tennis, squash, badminton State-of-the-art fitness centre and studio Heated outdoor pool Summer camps Family activities Childcare Personal trainers Renowned racquet professionals Social events Award-winning chef Waterside patio dining Casual restaurant and dining-room Magnificent setting A Vision for the future Auto and Home Insurance We find the right price, coverage and service for you. We deliver outstanding personal service: · When you call our office we ask for your name, not your account number. · You speak to the same person every time you call so we know who you are. · Proudly serving Oakville for 40 years. Act quickly and receive 50% off the regular entrance fee $7,000 IS NOW $3,500 Single $12,000 IS NOW $6,000 Couple Please call us today for a Home & Auto Quote www.dobson-toncic.com 101-2020 Winston Park Drive, Oakville ON, L6H 6X7 56 Water Street, Oakville, Ontario L6J 2Y3 Contact Kalee Mah at 905.845.0231 ext. 207 or kmah@oakvilleclub.com www.oakvilleclub.com 905-829-2907