A federal election is two weeks away, and Canadians have a profound choice to make, one that will affect our lives for the next 4 years. It is a choice between two differing visions of the country.

The first is advocated by the Conservative Party and Stephen Harper, who believe in an intolerant nation of extreme right-wing social values, who believe in a US style health care system, who believe we should go to war in Iraq just because the Americans did, and who believe having power in their hands is so important that they would ally themselves with the separatist Bloc Quebecois to achielve their means.

The second is the vision proposed by the Liberal Party and Paul Martin. His vision is built on his strong record of balancing sound fiscal management with social programs admired by the world. The Liberal platform is fiscally viable, whereas the Conservative platform promises too much. Two independent think tanks who have scrutinized the party platforms conclude that the Conservative plan promises $30 billion or so more than it can afford. Canadians will be disappointed if they elect a Conservative government because there is no way they can balance their books if they keep all their promises. On the other hand, the Liberal and NDP platforms have both been cleared as fiscally sound and doable.

Canadians need to stop blaming politicians for not keeping their promises. Canadians force politicians to lie because people only vote in governments who promise lots of stuff. The government only has so much money. They cannot make massive tax cuts, improve the health care system, reduce post-secondary education fees, etc. etc. without running defecits. Canadians must realize that they cannot vote for the party who sings the best tune. They must scrutinize like the think tanks and vote for a party and a platform that can work. Canadians must also distinguish between a federal party and a provincial party. There is no formal connection between the Ontario Liberals and the federal Liberals. You cannot punish the McGuinty Liberals by voting for Harper. This will only lead to poor provincial leadership and poor national leadership.

This is the first time I am supporting the Liberal Party of Canada. I have always been a Progressive Conservative, but the new Conservative Party no longer represents the Progressive Conservative view of Canada. I say VOTE LIBERAL, but more importantly, go out on election day and vote to make your voice heard.