I like Jagmeet Singh !
Jagmeet Singh looks like a very sincere man, one who has principles and values. I recognize one cannot judge a book by its cover, but this cover offers a sense of authenticity and validity.
He just exudes the characteristics that I feel a politician should have. Humility, empathy and sincerity. My only difficulty in considering him for my vote is that I feel voting for a third party is throwing my vote away. His party is my problem. They will never win a significant number of seats so voting for them is wasting a vote. Besides, the party doesn’t promise any policy that attracts me.
In fact, to me the NDP represents a party that is ‘too much government.’ For some reason the party seems to be one which would be in your face, controlling more of my life than I want a government to control. I don’t suggest or imply that the NDP are socialists as is implied by others. Just that they seem to imply that they want to control more of Canadians’ lives than I wish to see.
One thing does bother me about Singh, and this smacks of racism, though I feel it is not. Quebec has successfully passed legislation that restricts public office display of religious symbols, apparel, accoutrements, and jewelry. Their regulations should apply nationally. To clarify, I support freedom of religion and association but I oppose its display in any official position, political, civic or governmental. No politician should be permitted to display their religious or association membership in a public office. Public offices are there to serve the population, not proselytise a doctrine or a cause. I find that aspect of Singh troubling. I have the feeling he is saying, “In your face! I have rights and freedoms.” Granted but I am uncomfortable when a public office candidate displays it as if promoting it. He may not be promoting it, but it is discomforting to see it publicly displayed.
Still, if I could vote for the man individually, I would vote for Singh. However, the Canadian system forces one to vote for the local candidate or for the party represented locally. I am not a NDP supporter and I will not throw away my right to vote because I am handcuffed by the electoral process in Canada. I will vote but not for a third party!
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