Disenfranchised Voters!

According to a recent poll by Abacus Research, in Canada, 25% of all Canadians say that they are upset at the current state of Canadian affairs - and more than half say that things were better 20 years ago.
That is obviously unsettling; however, what is even more worrisome is that 55% do not feel that it matters what they think or do about politics in Canada - nothing will change.
According to Kalvin Reid who wrote an editorial in the North Bay Nugget newspaper on Nov. 8, 2010, this should "send ripples of discomfort through the halls of power in this country". As he says - democracy works best when its citizens are engaged. People don't vote, because they feel their voice is not being heard. As he goes on to say - "an MP is no longer seen as a representative of the people, but rather as a representative of the party banner he or she carries".
He suggests that it is up to the politician that we elect to start the change - but that the electorate must do its part by voting for people with principles - who will do politics differently.
It is clearly time for politicians to recognize the desirability of permitting voting upon issues where enough people indicate they wish to have such a say. It is time to be implementing Direct Democracy - as in the 24 states of the United states, in many other countries, and as in Switzerland, from their municipalities right up to their national government.
It is time that Ontario overcame the pessimism so endemic within its citizens.