I don't vote because are political system is a failure and yet people want to keep eating out of the democrats or republicans hands voting has become a joke then a tool people do not have a voice and they know it.
If people don't vote, there's the slur of apathy, of us simply not caring. We need what I call "option zero". there should be a box to tick off on the ballot that says "no candidates are suitable". Then there would be no excuse for missing a vote. Anyone could have a protest vote without abstaining or ruining their ballot
you should ruin your ballot. ruin your ballot! Mercer ain't worth harranging though. I agree with a lot of your points mind you. but Mercer shouldn't be targeted.
I have never placed a comment on a youtube video before. And there have been other videos I have felt more outraged by and should have said something. Regardless - I really think you have it wrong. Firstly Mercer did not bully the youth and young voters to vote. He pointed out that no political party had address issues many youth face and expect youth to continue to act apathetic and not vote. He didn't bully kids - he spoke to the millions of young people who perhaps have never voted before.
@cookybanana - Furthermore, he has help initiate a movement. Education. I bet you there are thousands of young and old out there who are more education about the election process and how to vote by many of the movements from rick mercers call out to youth to vote.
I do agree with you that there is are systematic problems with how our vote counts. I am unsure if it is or is not on any of the leaders platforms but i do know that Elizabeth May had dedicated part of her book to this issue.
@cookybanana Voting may not be the answer to our problems, but voting is a step and a part of engaged citizens in democracy. Do our votes count? yes, they do. will it make a difference - maybe not in your riding. Should you take pleasure in voting? Yes - Millions of people around the world are not able to vote and to vote without fear and intimidation like we do. Yes the main parties have their share of attack ads but its easy to see the bullsh*t. Anyone who actually care about change wouldn't-
Spend that much time and energy on insulting the others. I think I learned before i was 5 that insulting others makes you look like more of a douchebag than the others. Who might justifiably be acting like douchebags.
The only time I can see not voting making a statement would be if there was a NONE OF THE ABOVE on your ballot. If NOTA gets most votes in a riding all members in said riding must step down and a by election is held in that riding.This will cause chaos the first time used but people will get it For a couple of months we will have no one party in power but we close parliament for so many reasons now a days why not to effect change. Start replacing the NOTA losers and watch the FACES change in OTT
If you have the right to vote and choose not to use it, you've only got yourself to blame for any failures of your government to meet your needs. Mercer is absolutely 100% on the money that you have no right to complain if you did not cast a vote. My suggestion is that you grow up and take some responsibility instead of blaming others for your problems -- we've got enough "poor-me" whiners already.
Well, the NDP has never held the PM office, so how can you say that the only outcome is the same people in power? Vote NDP and make a change. As a side note, when s=!t hits the fan, I'll be right beside you marching in the streets against the oppressors. But that hasn't happened yet, so I'll stand beside you at the polls.
Just wanted to also say that graffiti isn't not illegal. There are many ways to legally graffiti walls. I know people that do this for a living, and have friends who do this for school work. I would have to say your argument is busted on the graffiti side of things as well.
The biggest misconception about voting is believing that not voting is a protest against the government. By not getting involved who is going to listen to you?
What a terrible video. I usually don't post on videos, but this message should be removed from YouTube.
In other countries you get fined for not voting, such as Australia. In other you're election if rigged, such as USA. In others you don't even get a vote.
In Canada we have the privilege to vote. By not taking 20min out of your life to go vote is like saying you do not want to be apart of Canada; in which case we should ship you off to a 3rd world country that doesn't get to vote.
You find voting encouragement offensive! Wow! Move to a country where you can't vote and see how you feel! Rick didn't bully, watch it again. Your rant has no merit as you are wrong about the facts: Rick did not yell or bully. He used intelligence and wit, something that you obviously cannot recognize.
If you're trying to send a message to the candidates don't do it by not showing up. Show up and hand your ballot back unmarked. If large numbers of Canadians did that someone would start paying attention.
If you're trying to send a message to the candidates don't do it by not showing up. Show up and hand your ballot back unmarked. If large numbers of Canadians did that someone would start paying attention.
Voting may be the least influential part, but it is also the gateway to the process. Moving from just being an angry complainer to actually being part of the solution has starting to vote along that path. Not voting is not a protest.
The politicians know people aren't engaged, and thus don't see the need to offer things to those people who won't vote anyway. You have identified the way politicians act as the problem, but I consider the way politicians act as the symptom.
Voting may be the least influential part, but it is also the gateway to the process. Moving from just being angry to actually being part of the solution has starting to vote. Not voting is not a protest.
The politicians know people aren't engaged, and thus don't see the need to offer things to those people who won't vote anyway. You have identified the way politicians act as the problem, but I consider the way politicians act as the symptom.
I agree voting is not as important as discourse, but I also think that everyone's voice should be counted even if it's a spoiled ballot. Because to loosely quote RUSH: "even if you choose not to choose you've made a choice" & being a part of the discourse, or at least paying attention to it & having to have to take part in that discussion by making a choice is a democratic right and duty. We haven't got a democracy because people don't realize they are the issue.
I'm gonna have to take Rick Mercer's side on this one. The more people stay home and refuse to vote, the more likely it is that Harper will end up with a majority government. It's that simple.
The whole electoral process is crap (at least in the US). The way that big business owns government really shows that those in power care for no one. I wonder how an Australian-like system would fly in the US, where it is the law that one must vote.
Frankly, I'm not impressed with your rant. Our political parties' funding comes directly from the number of votes they obtain - which means not voting is more that just a wasted opportunity: It's an intentional statement that you just have no interest in supporting any current political voice.
I think you're also missing Rick Mercer's point. If you have no interest in showing support for ANY of the political voices out there, what do you have to gripe about?
@apfejes I'm not suggesting that people should not vote, but rather bullying them to vote is not the answer. Bullying people to do anything is never the answer. Voting should be the last step, not the first. So don't pressure people to vote when step one would be to make politics in general relevant.
@openflows I just don't see how you can draw the conclusion anyone is being bullied. The worst that Rick Mercer said is that if you don't vote, he doesn't think you have a right to complain. Where is the threat?
If you think politics is not sufficiently relevant, the least you can do is step up and vote for someone (the greens) who want to effect a change to the system.
Withholding your vote just removes you from the dialogue.
@openflows Ok... then I'm just saying you're wrong. (=
Before you go tossing words like "bullying" around, I suggest you check out how other people define them IN this case, I would clearly say that Rick Mercer simply isn't applying physical, mental or verbal taunts to repeatedly harass non-voters. I just don't see it.
@openflows I'm an example of someone who went from angry at all politics/politicians to being actively engaged. Voting causes emotional buy-in, and thus even if it doesn't influence who gets elected it may influence how engaged people will be between elections. I don't expect people to sit in on all meetings of a committee like I did with the #C32 committee, but you have to start somewhere.
I think non-voters are the root of the problems we see in politics, not the symptom.
@apfejes I have to agree your view that Rick Mercer is "bullying" people to vote is hogwash. He simply brings up a subject voting is important & YES it's does affect things that matter to youth!
I don't vote because are political system is a failure and yet people want to keep eating out of the democrats or republicans hands voting has become a joke then a tool people do not have a voice and they know it.
officerbawden17 6 months ago
If people don't vote, there's the slur of apathy, of us simply not caring. We need what I call "option zero". there should be a box to tick off on the ballot that says "no candidates are suitable". Then there would be no excuse for missing a vote. Anyone could have a protest vote without abstaining or ruining their ballot
111Sylvester 8 months ago
you should ruin your ballot. ruin your ballot! Mercer ain't worth harranging though. I agree with a lot of your points mind you. but Mercer shouldn't be targeted.
griffigriffi 8 months ago
maybe education is the answer. so go vote.
CupcakeAndTea 9 months ago
I have never placed a comment on a youtube video before. And there have been other videos I have felt more outraged by and should have said something. Regardless - I really think you have it wrong. Firstly Mercer did not bully the youth and young voters to vote. He pointed out that no political party had address issues many youth face and expect youth to continue to act apathetic and not vote. He didn't bully kids - he spoke to the millions of young people who perhaps have never voted before.
cookybanana 9 months ago
@cookybanana - Furthermore, he has help initiate a movement. Education. I bet you there are thousands of young and old out there who are more education about the election process and how to vote by many of the movements from rick mercers call out to youth to vote.
I do agree with you that there is are systematic problems with how our vote counts. I am unsure if it is or is not on any of the leaders platforms but i do know that Elizabeth May had dedicated part of her book to this issue.
cookybanana 9 months ago
@cookybanana Voting may not be the answer to our problems, but voting is a step and a part of engaged citizens in democracy. Do our votes count? yes, they do. will it make a difference - maybe not in your riding. Should you take pleasure in voting? Yes - Millions of people around the world are not able to vote and to vote without fear and intimidation like we do. Yes the main parties have their share of attack ads but its easy to see the bullsh*t. Anyone who actually care about change wouldn't-
cookybanana 9 months ago
@cookybanana
Spend that much time and energy on insulting the others. I think I learned before i was 5 that insulting others makes you look like more of a douchebag than the others. Who might justifiably be acting like douchebags.
cookybanana 9 months ago
I find your argument idiotic so I would suggest you don't vote because you don't have a clue. Go Rick Mercer and The Vote Mobs !!
SaskCan54 9 months ago
The only time I can see not voting making a statement would be if there was a NONE OF THE ABOVE on your ballot. If NOTA gets most votes in a riding all members in said riding must step down and a by election is held in that riding.This will cause chaos the first time used but people will get it For a couple of months we will have no one party in power but we close parliament for so many reasons now a days why not to effect change. Start replacing the NOTA losers and watch the FACES change in OTT
Opinionated2afault 10 months ago
If you have the right to vote and choose not to use it, you've only got yourself to blame for any failures of your government to meet your needs. Mercer is absolutely 100% on the money that you have no right to complain if you did not cast a vote. My suggestion is that you grow up and take some responsibility instead of blaming others for your problems -- we've got enough "poor-me" whiners already.
Wildlander1 10 months ago
Well, the NDP has never held the PM office, so how can you say that the only outcome is the same people in power? Vote NDP and make a change. As a side note, when s=!t hits the fan, I'll be right beside you marching in the streets against the oppressors. But that hasn't happened yet, so I'll stand beside you at the polls.
organicallytwisted 10 months ago 5
Just wanted to also say that graffiti isn't not illegal. There are many ways to legally graffiti walls. I know people that do this for a living, and have friends who do this for school work. I would have to say your argument is busted on the graffiti side of things as well.
The biggest misconception about voting is believing that not voting is a protest against the government. By not getting involved who is going to listen to you?
DPrime2p897 10 months ago 2
What a terrible video. I usually don't post on videos, but this message should be removed from YouTube.
In other countries you get fined for not voting, such as Australia. In other you're election if rigged, such as USA. In others you don't even get a vote.
In Canada we have the privilege to vote. By not taking 20min out of your life to go vote is like saying you do not want to be apart of Canada; in which case we should ship you off to a 3rd world country that doesn't get to vote.
DPrime2p897 10 months ago 2
You find voting encouragement offensive! Wow! Move to a country where you can't vote and see how you feel! Rick didn't bully, watch it again. Your rant has no merit as you are wrong about the facts: Rick did not yell or bully. He used intelligence and wit, something that you obviously cannot recognize.
jeafooo 10 months ago 5
Rick didn't yell at anyone or bully them. He encouraged us, the youth, to vote, and it's had a strong impact on a lot of potential voters.
chrismcdaniel15 10 months ago 5
If you're trying to send a message to the candidates don't do it by not showing up. Show up and hand your ballot back unmarked. If large numbers of Canadians did that someone would start paying attention.
theservman 10 months ago 3
If you're trying to send a message to the candidates don't do it by not showing up. Show up and hand your ballot back unmarked. If large numbers of Canadians did that someone would start paying attention.
theservman 10 months ago
Voting may be the least influential part, but it is also the gateway to the process. Moving from just being an angry complainer to actually being part of the solution has starting to vote along that path. Not voting is not a protest.
The politicians know people aren't engaged, and thus don't see the need to offer things to those people who won't vote anyway. You have identified the way politicians act as the problem, but I consider the way politicians act as the symptom.
russellmcormond 10 months ago 4
Voting may be the least influential part, but it is also the gateway to the process. Moving from just being angry to actually being part of the solution has starting to vote. Not voting is not a protest.
The politicians know people aren't engaged, and thus don't see the need to offer things to those people who won't vote anyway. You have identified the way politicians act as the problem, but I consider the way politicians act as the symptom.
russellmcormond 10 months ago
I agree voting is not as important as discourse, but I also think that everyone's voice should be counted even if it's a spoiled ballot. Because to loosely quote RUSH: "even if you choose not to choose you've made a choice" & being a part of the discourse, or at least paying attention to it & having to have to take part in that discussion by making a choice is a democratic right and duty. We haven't got a democracy because people don't realize they are the issue.
stro1000 10 months ago
I'm gonna have to take Rick Mercer's side on this one. The more people stay home and refuse to vote, the more likely it is that Harper will end up with a majority government. It's that simple.
hattonandco 10 months ago 3
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hattonandco 10 months ago
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hattonandco 10 months ago
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hattonandco 10 months ago
love this!
theultimatecookiemon 10 months ago 3
The whole electoral process is crap (at least in the US). The way that big business owns government really shows that those in power care for no one. I wonder how an Australian-like system would fly in the US, where it is the law that one must vote.
qiranger 10 months ago
Frankly, I'm not impressed with your rant. Our political parties' funding comes directly from the number of votes they obtain - which means not voting is more that just a wasted opportunity: It's an intentional statement that you just have no interest in supporting any current political voice.
I think you're also missing Rick Mercer's point. If you have no interest in showing support for ANY of the political voices out there, what do you have to gripe about?
apfejes 10 months ago 12
@apfejes I'm not suggesting that people should not vote, but rather bullying them to vote is not the answer. Bullying people to do anything is never the answer. Voting should be the last step, not the first. So don't pressure people to vote when step one would be to make politics in general relevant.
openflows 10 months ago
@openflows I just don't see how you can draw the conclusion anyone is being bullied. The worst that Rick Mercer said is that if you don't vote, he doesn't think you have a right to complain. Where is the threat?
If you think politics is not sufficiently relevant, the least you can do is step up and vote for someone (the greens) who want to effect a change to the system.
Withholding your vote just removes you from the dialogue.
apfejes 10 months ago 7
@apfejes I'm saying it's bullying to say people are removed from the dialogue if they don't vote or saying they can't complain if they don't vote.
openflows 10 months ago
@openflows Ok... then I'm just saying you're wrong. (=
Before you go tossing words like "bullying" around, I suggest you check out how other people define them IN this case, I would clearly say that Rick Mercer simply isn't applying physical, mental or verbal taunts to repeatedly harass non-voters. I just don't see it.
apfejes 10 months ago 4
@openflows I'm an example of someone who went from angry at all politics/politicians to being actively engaged. Voting causes emotional buy-in, and thus even if it doesn't influence who gets elected it may influence how engaged people will be between elections. I don't expect people to sit in on all meetings of a committee like I did with the #C32 committee, but you have to start somewhere.
I think non-voters are the root of the problems we see in politics, not the symptom.
russellmcormond 10 months ago 4
@apfejes
" Mercer said is that if you don't vote, he doesn't think you have a right to complain. "
Nonsense.
You still have obligations toward the state so you can complain all you want.
Ebareebaveebeedee 10 months ago
@apfejes I have to agree your view that Rick Mercer is "bullying" people to vote is hogwash. He simply brings up a subject voting is important & YES it's does affect things that matter to youth!
CupcakeAndTea 9 months ago