This morning, the CBC's The Current featured two economist debating a controversial economic theory. The theory posits that the act of voting has no inherent economic value. In essence, voters would be better off staying at home and using their time elsewhere as that time could be better spent (economically speaking of course). I'll try and find the full details once it's posted on the CBC website.

Whether or not you accept this theory (I certainly don't), I find it interesting in the content of the Liberal government's soon to be released Economic Update. The "update" promises billions of dollars in income tax breaks, corporate tax cuts, financial incentives for small businesses and increased support for immigration. Sounds good to me (at least in theory). There is one problem though...the timing of its release.

This "Economic Update" comes days/weeks before an impending call for a federal election. This is a thinly veiled attempt to garner voter support. I cry bullsh*t. My vote is not for sale!!!

This kind of political maneuvering is bad for Canada. It panders to our short-term political memory and rewards governing by soundbite. I know many will argue that this is just good political strategy, but just because you can, doesn't mean you should.

Clearly, out vote is extremely valuable in the eyes of politicians. We should not forget this. Whether or not you believe this Economic Update is good for Canada, make sure you let the Liberals (and all politicians for that matter) know that they have to earn your vote, not buy it. Let's not cheapen our democracy.

Technorati tags: Canadian Politics,Economic Update,Liberal Party