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* I think that democracy must be respected. For example, we have already voted for the STV (single transferrable vote) by a margin of 57% to 43%. It is unacceptable that Gordon Campbell refuses to do what we have voted for...
* I think that politicians are not elected to be kings or queens, they are elected to do what the citizenry wants... and I'll do my best to act democratically at all times.
Here are 10 things I believe in: but as I say, what I think is NOT that important. What is important is that the membership of the party and the people of BC have the real power ... the politicians should be the servants not the rulers. Below are some things I think, but my promise is to do what YOU want, not what I want.
1. I'm completely opposed to nuclear power: As bad as the climate change disaster is going to be, nuclear power will be worse if we go down that road.
2. I fully support publicly funded health care: I believe our health care system is being deliberately destroyed so that it can be privatized. I also think promoting health is preferable to treating disease.
3. I believe in strong social programs: A decent standard of living for everyone is the best way to build a healthy society. There would be enough money for these programs if the Corporations and top 1% or 2% of income earners paid their fair share of taxes. And all of us would benefit.
4. Climate change and the environment: We are going to have to get by with less. This planet can't deal with the demands we are placing on it.
5. I believe that public assets should be kept in public hands... including crown lands, public education, crown corporations, etc. Perhaps we want to take back BC Rail as well.
6. I believe that adult use of marijuana should be legalized as stated in the 2005 Green Book, and the public should decide - through referendums - on legalization of other drugs, and treating them as a medical not a legal issue.
7. Homelessness: We have the resources to end 95% of homelessness in BC. It seems that a decision has been made to not solve this problem. We have the money, we know what to do - so why isn't it being done?
8. I believe we should stop logging the old growth coastal forests of BC, and cut back substantially in other parts of the province. We should protect all drinking watersheds. And we should hold the logging companies accountable for the environmental (and economic) devastation they have caused.
9. We desperately need a media that is independent of Corporate control. You can't have a democracy where the media is controlled by one special interest group. I'd like to hold a referendum on the issue of public funding (but NOT government control) of a non-Corporate media.
10: Increase the minimum wage: I don't think you can raise a family on $8 or $9 an hour. I'd like to set up a citizens assembly on the minimum wage, allow them to come up with 'solutions' and hold a referendum on the issue. There could be government help for small businesses that can't afford this.
I have been a member of the Green Party on and off for the past 20 years. I have run both municipally and provincially as a Green, and was on the board of the Victoria Regional Association of the party for several years... I'm interested in democracy, economics, and environmental, social and political issues. I'm writing a book on democracy and am active in non-corporate media.
If you have a question, please email me at jacketkincampaign@yahoo.ca or visit our website at www.jacketkin.net
The Green Party needs the right leader, and your vote is important. Please consider carefully!
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