1. For a better grip on politics

In the last few weeks, Quebecers of all political allegiance have been bombarded with the coming election's media coverage. However, in spite of the abundant information, was it the symptom of a global political debate?

We have only been served partial, isolated political ideas. Which is to be considered an enormous problem ; politics are meant as a medium to define a social project. However, in this project, everything is interconnected ; it is meaningless to separate health, education, economic issues... we have to think globally.

As we are preparing to face climate change, social and economic crises, how can we avoid taking the time to reflect on what is at stake and on our power over it in a sincere and global way? Without wanting to sound alarmist, it is more than time to profoundly question ourselves. Don't you see a certain incoherence amongst our society, a certain dead-end of our actual approach? I firmly believe that Quebec is going through a political blank, an absence of foresight.

It is generally acknowledged that our politicians' speech is often dishonest and without any real meaning. Unfullfilled promises, ad hominems, hypocrisy are all too common. Disillusion and cynism towards politics are fully understandable. How many of us have even decided against voting, considering that no option deserves our choice. Politics seem to have become a field outside of a citizen's range. Is this democracy? Let's not forget that politics are a social affair and not a study field meant for the elite.

This renewed control of politics is not an illusion, a revolutionary dream or an inaccessible utopia. It has even been done many times in history. We only have to remember the Quiet Revolution ; is this not an exanple of citizens taking grip on politics?

In my humble opinion, the three major parties do not represent a vision that meets the high stakes of contemporary problems. Even though many of their ideas seems adequate and positive for Quebec's future, they do not adhere to an attempt to radically change our society. And even if all their promises are kept, I sincerely doubt the good of what Quebec would accomplish in the next four years. Elections pass, problems stay.

Time is running out. We can't afford to put off resolving these issues. I see strategic vote as our worst enemy. We have to act according to our values, to our ambitions. We need more than just promises : we need a meaningful social project.

After this reflexion on things, my vote will without hesitation go to Quebec Solidaire.

Alexandre Lavoie, humble citizen.

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