tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7884128379999766348.post7001705497204176113..comments2024-03-27T21:12:31.654-04:00Comments on Politics and its Discontents: Feeling Like An AmericanLornehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15741324981120408977noreply@blogger.comBlogger7125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7884128379999766348.post-44750111240871953922018-07-14T21:56:56.376-04:002018-07-14T21:56:56.376-04:00it seems to be the way with organizations, Jay. Wh...it seems to be the way with organizations, Jay. When I was a teacher, my federation was not interested in what I had to say because I was not part of the executive. Power does corrupt.Lornehttps://www.blogger.com/profile/15741324981120408977noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7884128379999766348.post-61023270354390003922018-07-14T20:10:08.748-04:002018-07-14T20:10:08.748-04:00The powers that be in the Greens, Libs and Dippers...The powers that be in the Greens, Libs and Dippers are just stupid and shortsighted. In a PR system, Ontario would have a Lib/Dipper coelition government right now, maybe even Greens.<br /><br />They forget that "backlash" majorities work both ways, and the Media focus on "horseracing" make them forget that many people vote, or don't vote, based on policy.Jay Farquharsonhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/03335226520940843630noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7884128379999766348.post-18876166236326876432018-07-14T20:04:42.828-04:002018-07-14T20:04:42.828-04:00Few Canadians are involved in politics. People don...Few Canadians are involved in politics. People don't join political parties, and outside of astroturf "movements" to swing nominations, the political parties arn't really interested in getting Canadians to join and be active.<br /><br />Even the Greens.<br /><br />To a large part this is due to a small group, locally, provincially and federally running the parties like little private clubs. The "boys" in charge, don't want to "lose control" by inviting in large numbers of the "unwashed".Jay Farquharsonhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/03335226520940843630noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7884128379999766348.post-48380739713918101342018-07-13T16:24:11.579-04:002018-07-13T16:24:11.579-04:00Which is precisely why the powers that be will nev...Which is precisely why the powers that be will never change the system, Mound.Lornehttps://www.blogger.com/profile/15741324981120408977noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7884128379999766348.post-26525464508026657302018-07-13T15:28:43.088-04:002018-07-13T15:28:43.088-04:00FPTP will be the end of democracy. It produces the...FPTP will be the end of democracy. It produces these false majorities that are susceptible to rightwing populists who intend to rule, not lead, and, like Trump, work mainly to destroy institutions essential to the continuation of democratic governance.The Mound of Soundhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/09023839743772372922noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7884128379999766348.post-28540310019416516992018-07-13T14:41:01.900-04:002018-07-13T14:41:01.900-04:00There is much to be disgusted by in current politi...There is much to be disgusted by in current politics, Jay, and you have articulated some of the reasons for that disgust. To me, it becomes a chicken or egg situation. Until a strong majority of people turn out at the polls, governments who regularly fail us in so many ways will not amend their behaviour, since it is clear that not enough of us are watching them and prepared to hold them to account.Lornehttps://www.blogger.com/profile/15741324981120408977noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7884128379999766348.post-3078548870905184742018-07-13T13:57:13.214-04:002018-07-13T13:57:13.214-04:00Ford won 40% of the vote. The Libs, Dippers and Gr...Ford won 40% of the vote. The Libs, Dippers and Greens took 78% of the vote. 2% of the vote was split between the Cray-cray and the Communists.<br /><br />Only 58% of eligible voters, voted, so miniTrump got a "majority" based on the choices of only 23.2% of the electorate. More people chose, or did not for various reasons, vote, than voted for mini-Trump.<br /><br />Some "hot quick takes",<br /><br />- mismanagement, scandal, faux scandal and a failure to deliver "taints" a Party for a Generation for voters, outside of their core of rabid Partizans.<br /><br />- political parties are ossified. From Riding Associations to Provincial Councils, it's always the same dammed people, the same cronyism, the same "failed" platforms and policies, with minor tweaks.<br /><br />- the voters are not engaged, involved, informed and the GOTV in Canada, seems to be focused soley on stacking the Nomination process.<br /><br />- the Media in general, are pathetic.<br /><br />Jay Farquharsonhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/03335226520940843630noreply@blogger.com