Call out the Ringers - OccupyVictoria

As someone who has supported the Green Party in the past, and a resident of Saanich, the first politician I contacted was Elizabeth May. I wanted to get the Green Party's position on the Occupy movement. While I wasn't shocked that the party was in support of the movement I was shocked that they issued a press release on October 7th. To me this is significant for a few reasons. The global day for action was set for October 15th. OccupyVictoria rally, march and occupation took place on October 15th. Elizabeth May's riding is Saanich/Gulf Islands. For those not familiar with Greater Victoria geography, Saanich is the municipality immediately adjacent to the municipality of Victoria. The Gulf Islands are just off the coast of Vancouver Island.

In a twitter discussion with @ElizabethMay it was suggested that we call out the politicians into the open. Therefore I tweeted a request to Harper along with the Liberal Party and NDP. To date I have not had a response despite the tweet to Harper being continually retweeted. I have also not been able to find a press release on any of their websites. I will continue to "call out the ringers" such as the politicians who supposedly represent me in Parliament and the Legislature.

I didn't vote for Harper. I don't like Harper. From what I've seen in the media, he's not listening to anyone now that he has a majority government.

Part of the problem, in my opinion, is that there is not enough discussion between citizens and politicians. Partly due to not enough hours in the day to make decisions in parliament/legislature AND have ongoing discussions. Also partly due to a growing sentiment that our politicians are not really listening any way leaving people more and more reluctant to even try. We can email, write letters, and yell at the top of our lungs but if the politicians are not LISTENING it's all for nothing.

So for anyone reading this blog who feels an issue has been ignored by their politicians I say become their worst nightmare. Be relentless. Keep asking your questions until you get answers. If you don't like what your politician has to say gather friends, acquaintances anyone sharing the same opinion and become louder. Occupy isn't just about physical occupation, it's about a call to action to make the change that the current political system is not allowing for.

CALL OUT THE RINGERS