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Kingston Green Campaign Going for the Win! (Janina Fisher Balfour, Candidate, Kingston -- 2004 Federal Candidate) Post #34 -- (Thursday, June 17, 2004 -- 11:49:30 PM)

Even though what I'd love to do right now is head for bed - the campaign trail can be exhausting - I'm going on sheer adrenaline! The support that we are getting as Greens, and that I am getting personally continues to inspire me. Every day something even more inspiring happens to keep me going, despite the lack of sleep, little time to eat, constantly studying and preparing for the next all-candidates' debate (I'm grateful I'm included!), canvassing door to door, talking to the media and answering on-line surveys! And that's just half of it!

Tonight I came home late from the all-candidates' debate on the anti-ballistic missile defense system into which the United States would like to co-opt Canada. I happened to mention to a neighbour who was sitting on his porch when I came home that I hadn't yet had dinner. (It was about 9:30pm) Well, I came in and got right onto the computer because there's usually 3 or 4 hours' worth of emails to respond to. A short while later there was a knock on the door. Yet another neighbour, another man who had obviously overheard me talking to the other, had brought me dinner! I was so moved that I was almost in tears. These are the things that keep me going when things start to feel difficult. Canadians are amazing, kind, caring and compassionate people. And we are exceedingly generous.

Going into tonight's debate I was nervous. What little I know about the anti-ballistic missile defense system I learned today. Nonetheless, the feedback at the end of the night was that I won the debate 'hands down.' There's something extraordinary about just being yourself and allowing your passion to show. It is also clear that there are many Canadians who don't want to get involved in the United States' "Star Wars" program. We want to promote peace by building relationships and building trust.

Yesterday I had an extraordinary day. I was really tired, but had an appointment to speak to the Grade 5 and 6 classes at Centennial Public School. For me it is really important to talk to young people about vision, and the direction in which we want our country to focus. Well, I walked into the school and there were "VOTE GREEN" signs all over! That perked me up right away. There must have been around 70 students in that classroom yesterday, and they peppered me with quite a dose of serious questions that they themselves thought up and presented to their teacher. These kids were well prepared, bright, articulate and courageous. Whatever tiredness I had quickly dissipated as I shared my views with the class. If these young people represent our future, there is hope for us yet. I think they are learning from our mistakes - and their teachers are doing a fantastic job of helping them think critically.

Yesterday evening while out canvassing door to door in Reddendale my results confirmed what I've been thinking - that we are running neck and neck with the Liberals, Conservatives and NDP. While about 85% of people still appear to be undecided, we have about the same number of voters committed to voting Green as the other parties. And that's saying something. I urge you to keep getting the word out about the Green vision. One vote at a time, we can win and send a Green MP to represent Kingston and the Islands.

I have to also say a word about the wonderful, giving, inspiring Green supporters and volunteers. You range in age from 15 right up there with the senior citizens, and your enthusiasm and support are what is keeping us going. We couldn't do it without you. Every day when I go into the campaign office there are new faces keeping our campaign going steady. Please know that we sincerely value and appreciate every single little thing you do. It is a contribution to your community and to your country. And you give me the support I need to represent you to our voters. For that, mere thanks will never be enough, but I offer you my humble thanks nonetheless.

It would be my pleasure to represent you in Parliament.

Sincerely,
Janina Fisher Balfour
Email Janina Fisher Balfour, Candidate at: janinafb@kingstongreens.ca

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