Dear Stephen Harper. . .

First things first, congratulations on being re-elected the Prime Minister of Canada. Yeah, I didn't vote for you, but after calling you the worst Prime Minster in my lifetime, you probably could have figured that out on your own. I also believe people can really change and that everyone deserves a second chance (or third or fourth or twenty-second), so I'm willing to take this four year ride with you and give you the benefit of the doubt. After all, you got that majority government now, and didn't you claim that was the reason you couldn't bring forth all these awesome policies that you have planned, or why you throw out a prorogue here or there, or why you couldn't be as open and honest as us silly Canadians assume a democratic government should be? Maybe these next four years will be really awesome, even if it is hard to believe that because, well you know, you've already had a few years to prove yourself (I know, I know, minority government -- blah blah blah -- sorry, already forgot).

I learned a long time ago that I believe and think a lot differently than you and your party. You know what? There are a lot of people who think differently than me or believe opposing things to my own thoughts, but I'm still willing to call them friends and enjoy a few beers with them. I am not expecting us to view every issue the same or be on the exact page with everything. I can accept we're going to view this world a little differently, and that is fine with me. I know there is a lot of people who read this blog and totally disagree with some of my ramblings (and they let me know it) and I actually welcome that because it creates great dialogue. I am not expecting you to have the exact same stance as me on homosexuality or abortion or religion or pop tarts. But what I am expecting you to be is a government that respects the diversity of this nation and tries to uphold the liberties and freedoms all the citizens should be entitled to. What I really expect is for you to not form policies that pander to one specific subsection of the population. Your goal as the representative of the people should be to look after the entirety of the people and make sure you’re not alienating entire demographics and groups. It is 2011 now (you may have noticed), and this country is a lot different than it was hundred years ago or even 10 years ago. It definitely is not a nation just compromised of far right 'moral' types that justify their prejudice through their religion (and again, the funny thing about religion is that many people practice many different types -- so you can't really use that to govern a nation). Feel free to think what you want or to believe in whatever god you want or hold to any mindset, but remember, when you run a country you need to take all the different types of people in to account. Otherwise, you come off as pandering to groups in order to win votes and sponsorships.

You notice how I said, I am okay with you having different views and beliefs? It would be sort of nice if you agreed that it is okay for me to have different beliefs or for other people to have beliefs different than your own. The thing that makes a 'free country' awesome if that you have freedom speech and are allowed to express yourself. In order for that to actually be awesome, you really need to be allowed to express yourself freely. Do you see what I mean here? You have to let people speak their mind and opinions even when it disagrees with what you feel. If you start arresting people for peacefully protesting against something, then you're not really sticking to that whole freedom thing, are you? That seems more like a dictatorship or one of those countries that you've deployed troops in. And why are troops over there again? Can you remind me? Was it something to do with trying to bring democracy over there? Maybe allow people the right to freedom of speech and right to choose a religion? It appears you do understand democracy and think it is pretty awesome. So, if you can stick to that belief for the next four years then that would be a cherry on top of the sundae.

There is another thing that is kind of funny about democracy, and it is the whole thing that the leader is supposed to be representing the people. In order to represent them properly, you should probably let them know what you’re doing or why you did something like spend millions and millions of dollars. Especially since, some people might get the funny feeling they gave you that money to spend in the first place. I don't know about you, but if a friend of mine kept on doing stuff behind my back and kept telling me it was none of my business, I'd start thinking he was a pretty shady friend. Maybe I’d even think they’re someone who isn't completely honest. I realize politicians get that label anyway, but it is at least nice if you try to pretend to be open and honest. When people start asking you questions and wanting to know what is going on, it would be great if you didn't pull a temper tantrum and cry that we don't have any right to know. Or throw out a policy people don’t want and claim this it isn’t open for discussion – not open for discussion -- in a democracy . . . wha? Temper tantrums and unreasonable demands is sort of what a 2 year old does, and nobody really wants a 2 year old to run a country. That is why we have a minimum age requirement to be Prime Minster (no 2 years allowed for country leader). Besides, you can't really be representing the people if you don't let the people know what the hell you're doing. So, you've got the majority now and you basically have the power to push things forward, so it'd great if you start explaining things and maybe start impersonating a leader of a free country.

Since you have majority government, could we maybe put a big X on that whole propaganda network you wanted to trot out? I know it is nice to have stuff that keeps on telling you how awesome you are (that is why I have a dog), but I am willing to do that for you if you’re actually awesome. You don't need to start peddling yourself on a channel disguised as news. We've already got one Fox News, I'm sort of scared what will happen to the world if there are two.

Apparently, you’re going to get our economy back on track. You're going to make that budget balanced. I actually think that promise is sort of why so many people voted for you. This might end up being the thing you get judged for in 4 years when we play this game again. So, if that is the case, maybe you want to stop recklessly spending this time. Yeah, there is a war going on and I am not denying that we don't need an army, but you may have noticed there are other things that need funds too. It'd be nice to not throw all the cash in one direction. Also, big multi billion dollar companies are big multi billion dollar companies for a reason. They probably don't need a whole bunch of breaks and incentives. But I know this single mom with three kids that is really struggling to get by, she might need a break instead. I am not trying to make Canada become a welfare state, but we're also not supposed to be a military power either. So, let’s try to prioritize our spending. Cool?

You don't really need a history lesson, though. You know what you've done. You have given your reasons and thrown out your excuses. Either way, it is all over with now. We've got four years to look forward to. Let's try to make this four awesome years. Maybe even four years that might convince me to vote Conservative for the first time in my life. Let's call it a fresh start and see if this whole having a majority does make things oodles of times better.

Sincerely,

Doubtful but trying not to be