something - there lurks a real unresolved problem. And this same-sex marriage issue is a real problem that directly affects hundreds of thousands of Canadians. I don't know who we should vote for when our Political Leaders aren't strong enough to stand for equality and can't see that our blood is the same colour as theirs? Are we not capable of love instead of the stereotypical labels of sex? I am 45, work in the CARE department of General Motors and attend Faith United Church. I could just as easily be a representative of an alternative lifestyle person from a Jewish, Muslim, Islamic, Buddhist, another Christian denomination, Canadian, non-Canadian, ethnic, or native background. All of us have values, friends, families, communities and others interested in our overall social well-being. The multi-culturalism and diversity of the Canadian people has become tolerant, accepting and openly acknowledges the beauty of many alternative lifestyle Canadians, and are hopeful along with us that we won't continue being thought of as second-rate Canadians by our religious and political leaders - that we could get married in this country, and that we are more important than just a means for tax and tithe revenue. Legislation protecting same-sex marriages is possible. Look at France. Look at Holland. It can work well here too. We don't need to be ostracized by right-wing, no-wing, or broken-wing religious and political groups. We are capable of upholding family and community values. We believe everyone in Canada should have the right to choose who they'll marry and have that right ensured under the Canadian Charter of Rights & Freedoms to do so. If you believe a just society should extend justice and social equality even to minority groups - speak out now and ask your Political Party to support these rights. There's something wrong when religious and political leaders start avoiding issues, turn the other way or just simply ignore them, especially during an election campaign where issues are supposed to be debated above the level of an Alpha Ape. At this Leadership Debate they weren't. During the whole debate I was once again reminded of 1932-33... at another time when leaders turned away from another group being oppressed. But, that's another story...

I have found (even at GM) once you start talking honestly even about such a delicate issue as this is, that common folks readily get over their initial anger and rigid beliefs, and actually try to understand others concerns. If the common person can start to understand and open their hearts, and even extend hopes for our overall success and well-being, shouldn't our leaders be even more courageous about standing for all Canadians and not just the popular vote?

On the eve of this year's Remembrance Day, we can't help but wonder for what freedoms did our fallen soldiers in two World Wars and in Korea die for? Did they die for the erosion or the limiting of our freedoms? Did they die so we too, should remain silent about those who are remaining silent for their hidden purposes, and for example allow both a silent backer (Mike Harris) and Stockwell Day to legislate us to a 60-hour work week that would effectively work us to death? Is such a silence going to ensure our future happiness and well-being? I imagine that never being at home would do far more to erode the values, families and communities of this land than any same-sex marriage legislation would do. Yet, don't think the legislation of the one and the ignoring of the other isn't on someone's political secret agenda. Our fallen soldiers would be so ashamed. If they could see the cowardice and the fear that stems from those holding inner anger and cute little slogans and not see enthusiastic cooperation and kindness - they would be so ashamed of us. They stood and fought for all of our freedoms and the fullest potential this country could realize as a tremendous shining example to all the world. Let not a few weak Political candidates spoil the vision that our fallen soldiers had for us. Canada could be a truly wonderful place for all lifestyles - and for that to happen we need our Political Leaders to show a little more real strength of character and backbone. Remember, God is watching us.

Soon the election will be over and we will be approaching Christmas when we're again reminded of God's perpetual giving attitude of love, peace, hope and joy. Yet so completely different were the attitudes this Leadership Debate gave us by a deliberate avoidance of the same-sex marriage issue. When it was time for our Political Leaders to also show similar compassion and hope - they failed to do so, and that is something I doubt I ever will forget.

Canadians, we need to pray. The future of our country is at stake and the Leadership atmosphere surrounding many important issues does not appear to be one of love. Other masks are being worn.
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