【新聞後記】為何要投票

 

6 月 7 日便是省選投票日。至截稿日期,三大政黨還未發表一份完整的政綱, 只有個別承諾及議題,例如進步保守黨領袖道格福特聲言,如果能當選省長,將解僱第一電力公司的行政總裁及解散董事會成員,因該總裁的年薪加獎金超過 600 萬元, 但他就沒有解釋如何能夠做到。他也沒有清楚表明會保留多少去年十一月下旬由上任黨領彭建邦發表的保守黨競選政綱。

自由黨至今亦只發表了競選政綱式的預算案,包括提供免費全日制日託服務及向長者提供免費醫藥等。但這被廣泛批評為「派糖式」的預算案,未能為執政自由黨扭轉劣勢, 支持度仍大幅落後保守黨二十多個百份點。另外, 執政自由黨再有3名省議員宣布不競逐連任,其他華人熟悉的國際貿易廳長陳國治,以健康理由宣佈不尋求連任,令表明不再參選的省議員或內閣廳長增加至十人。這無疑對自由黨的選情,造成另一次打擊。

華裔投票率一直偏低

不過,從過往經驗,不論競選活動多吸引,政綱議題多大爭議,華人投票率始終偏低。加拿大選舉局多年前曾經發表數據,指全國華人投票率只有 10﹪ 至 12﹪;亦有調查指,隨着更多華人參政,近年情況已有改善,例如上屆市選,華裔投票率應該高於 50﹪。 而根據筆者綜合各黨派的調查,華裔投票率一般介乎 20﹪ 至 30﹪ 之間,遠低於平均投票率,這情況説出為何華裔社區的政治影響力不足。

華裔投票率一向偏低原因很多,一個重要歷史因素是華人長久以來在原居地根本沒有議政機會;部份華人受到道家「君子不黨」的思想影響, 痛恨政治的腐敗黑暗,甚至以「遠離政治,不涉及政務」為榮。發展至近年,移居至本國民主社會後,華裔仍然提不起投票的意慾,總括有以下幾大藉口:1)工作及照顧家庭太忙,沒有時間;2)那麼多人投票,多我一票不多,少我一票不少,投票與否無關重要;3)自己屬意的政黨或候選人,在民意調查中大幅領先或落後,自己的一票起不了作用;4)沒有留意各黨政綱,不知投誰,所以不投;5)那個黨或候選人都不好,一個是爛蘋果,一個是爛雪梨,既然沒有合心水的,不投也罷。

不同藉口拉低投票率

忙、沒時間,從來不是藉口,而且有預先投票機制 (Advance Poll),只要有心,總會找出數十分鐘的投票時間。近年的民意調查經常未能準確反映真實情況,上屆的美國總統選舉及英國脫離歐盟便是最佳例子,選舉結果與民調預測不同,顯示一票便是一票,每票均可改變選舉結果。没有一個政黨是完美的、沒有一份政綱是可以滿足所有省民的。要等遇到一個完全合心意的政黨或黨領才投票,那可能終身不用投票了。我們只要選擇較貼近自己理念的政黨便可以。若真的選錯,4年後再用選票送他離開便可,這便是民主制度可愛之處。運動精神,不是知道可以勝出才參加,志在挑戰自己。投票也不應只看自己支持的政黨或候選人能否勝出,重點是履行公民的責任,投下神聖一票,完成公民義務。

雖說不能準確計算華人投票率,但每個投票站均有該區選民名單,每名選民投票後,工作人員均會用筆刪去名字。投票結束後,各黨的工作人員均有權審視名單,若發現很多陳、李、張、黃、何等華裔姓氏仍在名單上,他們便可推算華裔投票率有多低。要令華裔社區的聲音被重視,必須讓各黨派知道華裔投票率有多高,有多大影響力改變選情;反之,各黨派只會找華人捐款,但制定政策時就不用顧慮或聆聽華社的聲音。

6 月 7 日請投神聖一票

世界上不少地方的人民仍在爭取一人一票的選舉權利,但若我們以「搵食」太忙而放棄這民主權利,實在是浪費,叫人可惜。6 月 7 日是省選日,或許你過往從未投票,這將是你發聲的機會,務請行使公民義務及權利,同心以選票將合適及有能力的政黨送上執政的位置,帶領安省繼續向前發展。若投票日不能投票,請留意預先投票的日期及地點。詳請可瀏覽安省選舉網站 www.elections.on.ca

我們不單要為君王和一切在位的懇求、禱告 (提前二:1﹣2), 也要為一個政權祈禱,願神為我們挑選一個合乎祂心意的政府。「在上有權柄的,人人當順服他,因為沒有權柄不是出於神的。凡掌權的都是神所命的。」(羅十三:1)

 

      聖經金句 (Bible Verses)

喜樂 Joy

喜樂的心乃是良藥;憂傷的靈使骨枯乾。箴言 17:22
A cheerful heart is good medicine, but a crushed spirit dries up the bones. Proverbs 17:22

然而,我要因耶和華歡欣,因救我的 神喜樂。哈巴谷書 3:18
yet I will rejoice in the LORD, I will be joyful in God my Savior. Habakkuk 3:18

要常常喜樂,不住的禱告,凡事謝恩。帖撒羅尼迦前書 5:16-17
Rejoice always, pray continually, give thanks in all circumstances. 1 Thessalonians 5:16-17

饒恕 Forgiveness

主啊,你本為良善,樂意饒恕人,有豐盛的慈愛賜給凡求告你的人。詩篇 86:5
You, Lord, are forgiving and good, abounding in love to all who call to you. Psalm 86:5

你不要說:“我要以惡報惡”;要等候耶和華,他必拯救你。箴言 20:22
Do not say, “I’ll pay you back for this wrong!” Wait for the LORD, and he will avenge you. Proverbs 6:14

你們饒恕人的過犯,你們的天父也必饒恕你們的過犯;馬太福音 6:14
For if you forgive other people when they sin against you, your heavenly Father will also forgive you. Matthew 6:14

你們不饒恕人的過犯,你們的天父也必不饒恕你們的過犯。馬太福音 6:15
But if you do not forgive others their sins, your Father will not forgive your sins. Matthew 6:15

你們各人若不從心裡饒恕你的弟兄,我天父也要這樣待你們了。馬太福音 18:35
This is how my heavenly Father will treat each of you unless you forgive your brother or sister from your heart. Matthew 18:35

謙卑 Humility

敬畏耶和華是智慧的訓誨;尊榮以前,必有謙卑。箴言 15:33
Wisdom’s instruction is to fear the LORD, and humility comes before honor. Proverbs 15:33

敬畏耶和華心存謙卑,就得富有、尊榮、生命為賞賜。箴言 22:4
Humility is the fear of the LORD; its wages are riches and honor and life. Proverbs 22:4

凡事不可結黨,不可貪圖虛浮的榮耀;只要存心謙卑,各人看別人比自己強。腓立比書 2:3
Do nothing out of selfish ambition or vain conceit. Rather, in humility value others above yourselves. Philippians 2:3

但他賜更多的恩典,所以經上說:神阻擋驕傲的人,賜恩給謙卑的人。雅各書 4:6
But he gives us more grace. That is why Scripture says:“God opposes the proud but shows favor to the humble.” James 4:6

驕傲 Pride

驕傲來,羞恥也來;謙遜人卻有智慧。箴言 11:2
When pride comes, then comes disgrace, but with humility comes wisdom. Proverbs 11:2

驕傲只啟爭競;聽勸言的,卻有智慧。箴言 13:10
Do nothing out of selfish ambition or vain conceit. Rather, in humility value others above yourselves. Proverbs 13:10

驕傲在敗壞以先;狂心在跌倒之前。箴言 16:18
Pride goes before destruction, a haughty spirit before a fall. Proverbs 16:18

但他賜更多的恩典,所以經上說:神阻擋驕傲的人,賜恩給謙卑的人。雅各書 4:6
But he gives us more grace. That is why Scripture says:“God opposes the proud but shows favor to the humble.” James 4:6

忍耐 Patience

愚妄人怒氣全發;智慧人忍氣含怒。箴言 29:11
Fools give full vent to their rage, but the wise bring calm in the end. Proverbs 29:11

並且你們要為我的名,被眾人恨惡,惟有忍耐到底的,必然得救。馬可福音 13:13
Everyone will hate you because of me, but the one who stands firm to the end will be saved. Mark 13:13

不但如此,就是在患難中也是歡歡喜喜的。因為知道患難生忍耐。羅馬書 5:3
Not only so, but we also glory in our sufferings, because we know that suffering produces perseverance. Romans 5:3

我們行善,不可喪志;若不灰心,到了時候就要收成加拉太書 6:9
Let us not become weary in doing good, for at the proper time we will reap a harvest if we do not give up. Galatians 6:9

你們也當忍耐,堅固你們的心,因為主來的日子近了。雅各書 5:8
You too, be patient and stand firm, because the Lord’s coming is near. James 5:8

溫柔 Meekness

回答柔和,使怒消退;言語暴戾,觸動怒氣。箴言 15:1
A gentle answer turns away wrath, but a harsh word stirs up anger. Proverbs 15:1

溫柔的人有福了,因為他們必承受地土。馬太福音 5:5
Blessed are the meek, for they will inherit the earth. Matthew 5:5

用溫柔勸戒那抵擋的人;或者 神給他們悔改的心,可以明白真道。提摩太後書 2:25
Opponents must be gently instructed, in the hope that God will grant them repentance leading them to a knowledge of the truth. 2 Timothy 2:25

只要以裡面存著長久溫柔、安靜的心為妝飾;這在 神面前是極寶貴的。彼得前書 3:4
Rather, it should be that of your inner self, the unfading beauty of a gentle and quiet spirit, which is of great worth in God’s sight. 1 Peter 3:4

嫉妒 Envy

不要為作惡的心懷不平,也不要向那行不義的生出嫉妒。詩篇 37:1
Do not fret because of those who are evil or be envious of those who do wrong. Psalm 37:1

心中安靜是肉體的生命;嫉妒是骨中的朽爛。箴言 14:30
A heart at peace gives life to the body, but envy rots the bones. Proverbs 14:30

在何處有嫉妒、紛爭,就在何處有擾亂和各樣的壞事。雅各書 3:16
For where you have envy and selfish ambition, there you find disorder and every evil practice. James 3:16

生氣 Anger

當止住怒氣,離棄忿怒;不要心懷不平,以致作惡。詩篇 37:8
Refrain from anger and turn from wrath; do not fret—it leads only to evil. Psalm 37:8

好生氣的人,不可與他結交;暴怒的人,不可與他來往。箴言 22:24
Do not make friends with a hot-tempered person, do not associate with one easily angered. Proverbs 22:24

愚妄人怒氣全發;智慧人忍氣含怒。箴言 29:11
Fools give full vent to their rage, but the wise bring calm in the end. Proverbs 29:11

生氣卻不要犯罪.不可含怒到日落。以弗所書 4:26
In your anger do not sin: Do not let the sun go down while you are still angry. Ephesians 4:26

我親愛的弟兄們,這是你們所知道的,但你們各人要快快的聽,慢慢的說,慢慢的動怒,因為人的怒氣並不成就 神的義。雅各書 1:19,20
My dear brothers and sisters, take note of this: Everyone should be quick to listen, slow to speak and slow to become angry, because human anger does not produce the righteousness that God desires. James 1:19,20

災難 Calamity

謹守口與舌的、就保守自己免受災難。箴言 21:23
Those who guard their mouths and their tongues keep themselves from calamity. Proverbs 21:23

民要攻打民、國要攻打國、多處必有地震、饑荒.這都是災難的起頭。馬可福音 13:8
Nation will rise against nation, and kingdom against kingdom. There will be earthquakes in various places, and famines. These are the beginning of birth pains. Mark 13:8

憂愁 Worry

你們不要憂愁、因靠耶和華而得的喜樂是你們的力量。尼希米記 8:10
Do not grieve, for the joy of the LORD is your strength. Nehemiah 8:10

主雖使人憂愁, 還要照他諸般的慈愛發憐憫。耶利米哀歌 3:32
Though he brings grief, he will show compassion, so great is his unfailing love. Lamentations 3:32

凡勞苦擔重擔的人,可以到我這裡來,我就使你們得安息。馬太福音 11:28
Come to me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest. Matthew 11:28

我留下平安給你們、我將我的平安賜給你們.我所賜的、不像世人所賜的.你們心裏不要憂愁、也不要膽怯。約翰福音 14:27
Peace I leave with you; my peace I give you. I do not give to you as the world gives. Do not let your hearts be troubled and do not be afraid. John 14:27

應當一無掛慮,只要凡事藉著禱告、祈求和感謝,將你們所要的告訴神。神所賜出人意外的平安,必在基督耶穌裡,保守你們的心懷意念。腓立比書 4:6,7
Do not be anxious about anything, but in every situation, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus. Philippians 4:6,7

因此, 你們是大有喜樂, 但如今, 在百般的試煉中暫時憂愁。彼得前書 1:6
In all this you greatly rejoice, though now for a little while you may have had to suffer grief in all kinds of trials. 1 Peter 1:6

患難 Trouble, Suffering

義人多有苦難,但耶和華救他脫離這一切。詩篇 34:19
The righteous person may have many troubles, but the LORD delivers him from them all. Psalm 34:19

神是我們的避難所,是我們的力量,是我們在患難中隨時的幫助!詩篇 46:1
God is our refuge and strength, an ever-present help in trouble. Psalm 46:1

耶和華本為善,在患難的日子為人的保障,並且認得那些投靠他的人。那鴻書 1:7
The LORD is good, a refuge in times of trouble. He cares for those who trust in him. Nahum 1:7

為義受逼迫的人有福了,因為天國是他們的。馬太福音 5:10
Blessed are those who are persecuted because of righteousness, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven. Matthew 5:10

不但如此,就是在患難中,也是歡歡喜喜的。因為知道患難生忍耐。羅馬書 5:3
Not only so, but we also glory in our sufferings, because we know that suffering produces perseverance; Romans 5:3

我想現在的苦楚,若比將來要顯於我們的榮耀,就不足介意了。羅馬書 8:18
I consider that our present sufferings are not worth comparing with the glory that will be revealed in us. Romans 8:18

因為你們蒙恩,不但得以信服基督,並要為他受苦。腓立比書 1:29
For it has been granted to you on behalf of Christ not only to believe in him, but also to suffer for him. Philippians 1:29

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