Some pre-election inspiration

Sir Winston Churchill said it best: Democracy is the worst form of government, except all the others have been tried.
Since we’ll go to the polls Monday to exercise one true example of freedom, a few famous quotes about democracy might help voters and candidates put it in perspective.
Here are my favourites:
• An honest election under democracy is an art of innocence that does not take place more than once in the history of a given nation - Jose Marie Gil Robles
• Democracy is the name we give people whenever we need them - Marquia de Flers Robert
• Democracy is a device that ensures we shall be governed no better than we deserve - George Bernard Shaw
• The great thing about democracy is that it gives every voter a chance to do something stupid - Art Spader
• It’s not the voting that’s democracy. It’s the counting -  Tom Shoppard
• Democracy never lasts long. It soon wastes, exhausts and murders itself. There was never a democracy that did not commit suicide - John Adams
• Democracy is a process by which the people are free to choose the man who will get the blame - Laurence Peter
• Democracy is the party of running the circus from the monkey cage - H.L. Menchen
• The love of democracy is that of equality - Charles de Montesquieu

Now, for my last barb and jab before the election.
Is a Richmond Hill candidate targeting me?
When I read what Ward 5 incumbent Elio Di Iorio wrote in his blog in the spring, I nearly fell on the floor and broke my 61-year-old neck.   
Here’s what Di Iorio wrote: 
“Seniors and baby boomers are influencing policy and youth are not. So, you are paying for their drugs and diapers. They make us chase youth around, busting them for noise, pot, beer, skateboarding, whatever — busting grow-ops while their Viagra, Celebrex and other pharmaceuticals come at the cost of your post-secondary education.”
When the quote was read out at an all-candidates meeting attended by Richmond Hill seniors last week, Mr. Di Iorio didn’t do the honourable thing and run for cover.
Instead, Mr. Di Iorio stood up proud as punch and had this to say:
“It’s something I wrote in a moment of frustration. Some of the things I said are overstated and I didn’t mean to offend anyone. I apologize if I offended anyone.”
One resident yelled, “You’re toast.”
Mr. Di Iorio. I have a message for you.
Providing I can tear myself away from wild sex and, at the same time, can keep from wetting my pants long enough to hobble to the polls,  I’d like to deliver a “good luck, good riddance message” to you.
In case Mr. Di Iorio gets frustrated again, here’s some advice:  When you’re getting run out of town, get out in front and call it a parade.
Then again, you might stick with your re-election campaign. You might fool the young. Since the kids are stoned, drunk and obsessed with skateboarding, they’re easy to influence. 
P.S. A heartfelt thanks to candidates who told the truth, respected each other, acted in the best interest of the community and never lost their sense of humour.
Take a bow.

Comments

[Elio Lover]

"Providing I can tear myself away from wild sex and, at the same time, can keep from wetting my pants long enough to hobble to the polls..."

I think I just puked.

[Armando Arriverderci]

...Funny thing about ex-Ward 5 Councillor Elio. At the all-candidates meeting you referenced, I heard he DROVE to and from the meeting in a car, even though his residence is very close by. Whatever happened to taking public transit, Mr. Environment? Talk the talk, don't walk the walk, hey?
I'm with you in wishing him a fonde farewell.