What dance party is that, you ask? Why, the one being hosted by the leader of the Ontario New Democratic Party whose name, it is rumoured, is in the process of being rejigged into the New Dance Party.
At least, that is how it appears to this political observer. As I opined yesterday, Ms. Horwath seems to be in the midst of an identity crisis, at least if her silence on key progressive issues such as the minimum wage is any indication. But perhaps that crisis is to be short-lived, given the letter she has sent to Premier Kathleen Wynne which included the following declaration:
“I will not support any new taxes, tolls or fees that hit middle-class families".
Funny thing about that much sought-after middle class, which, by some estimates, encompasses those with a family income ranging from $40,000 to $125,000. While no one would suggest greater taxation for those at the lower end, why rule out even greater progressive taxation for those in the middle to upper range?
The Star's Martin Regg Cohn has this to say about Andrea's metamorphisis:
After five years as leader, she has repurposed the NDP from a progressive movement to a populist brand, appealing to the broad middle class ahead of the working class and the welfare underclass.
As Cohn points out, this should surprise few:
Horwath’s about-faces on traditional party orthodoxy turned heads during the last election. The NDP echoed the anti-tax Tories in demonizing the HST, which major unions had defended as a way to fund social programs. Horwath’s surprise campaign pledge to lower taxes on gasoline, and her latest opposition to most transit taxes, have exasperated the environmental movement (most of her Toronto-area MPPs have signed a pro-transit petition, but not Horwath). Unionists pushing for a new public pension fear she will resist any mandatory plan that imposes premiums on her new-found small business allies.
The reason is obvious, of course: political opportunism. Put succinctly, as Cohn expresses it: She likes to win.
So in order to perfect her dalliance with a new constituency, I recommend Ms Horwath take dance instruction from the experts, represented below in two distinct styles:
UPDATE: Premier Wynne anwers Horwath's ultimatum.
The NDP has shown itself, federally and provincially, remarkably willing to shed just about every principle the party was built upon when that becomes politically expedient. Tommy Douglas and David Lewis must be spinning in their graves at the desecration of just about everything they stood for by these 21st century hucksters. And it's not just the leadership either. Rank and file Dippers are also showing their true colours. They've exposed their former high principle to be nothing more than self-righteous sanctimony.
ReplyDeleteThe dearth of principled positions in the so-called progressive movement should be a source of consternation to all who hold to the belief in the possibility of a more equitable world, Mound.
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