Voting Today

Voting isn't fun or funny anymore to people who live in Ontario.  Not after Doug Ford slashed in half the number of councillors to represent Toronto, and is safeguarding the legislation with the Constitution's notwithstanding clause, while launching an appeal of the judgement that temporarily stopped the downsizing. There was a time when democracy seemed a 'sure thing' and here to stay.  All the countries in the world would eventually move up the evolutionary government rule ladder and get there.  The big think.com tells us that democracy is on the decline everywhere.  The annual Democracy Index report by the Economist Intelligence Unit shows that democratic governments are in trouble everywhere. Of the 167 countries ranked this year, 89 of them received lower scores than last year. The scores reflect a wide range of liberties, attitudes, and norms that are vital elements of a free society.  The report has a ranking system that places a country's score in one of four categories:  full democracy, flawed democracy, hybrid regime, or authoritarian regime.   I thought I would reach back to the past for some voting jokes.  I've not looked looked for election jokes in the past.  This is my selection: Q Where do Polar Bears Vote? A The North Poll If voting made any difference they wouldn’t let us do it.  —Mark Twain Don’t buy a single vote more than necessary. I’ll be damned if I’m going to pay for a landslide. —Joseph P. Kennedy "Daddy," a little girl asked her father, "do all fairy tales begin with 'Once upon a time'? " "No, sweetheart," he answered. "Some begin with 'If I am elected.'" Two friends are discussing politics on Election Day, each trying to no avail to convince the other to switch sides.  Finally, one says to the other: ``Look, it's clear that we are unalterably opposed on every political issue. Our votes will surely cancel out. Why not save ourselves some time and both agree to not vote today?''  The other agrees enthusiastically and they part.  Shortly after that, a friend of the first one who had heard the conversation says, ``That was a sporting offer you made.''  ``Not really,'' says the second. This is the third time I've done this today.  Our picture today shows the Beauty Berry bush.  Quite the eye-catching colour.  Then another of our motion blurs from Denver.