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.
Tuesday, February 18, 2014
Monday, February 17, 2014
Another Provincial Concern
Aware of my interest in politics, my friend Gary sent me an email this morning:
I read a comment in the National Post and it made me think of the label you use, "Young Tim".
The fellow in his comment asked the question "Have you ever heard of a Provincial Leader being named after a cup of Coffee? "
That got me thinking about another Tim, who, like the Progressive Conservative Party leader, might also be seen as full of sound and fury, signifying nothing.
Enjoy:
I read a comment in the National Post and it made me think of the label you use, "Young Tim".
The fellow in his comment asked the question "Have you ever heard of a Provincial Leader being named after a cup of Coffee? "
That got me thinking about another Tim, who, like the Progressive Conservative Party leader, might also be seen as full of sound and fury, signifying nothing.
Enjoy:
Andrea Horwath: Labour's Fair-Weather Friend?
In light of her refusal to say much about anything, a political disease she may have caught from her federal cousins, Ontario NDP leader Andrea Horwath is being viewed increasingly as little more than a political opportunist. Probably the most recent example of this sad state is her reticence to articulate a position on Ontario's minimum wage.
Two weeks ago, Martin Regg Cohn offered this:
When did the party of the working poor lose its voice? Listen to the sound of Horwath clearing her throat when she finally emerged from the NDP’s Witness Protection Program this week — nine days after the panel’s exhaustive report, and nine months after its work started.
“Well, look, I respect the work of the grassroots movements that have been calling for the $14 minimum wage, but I think that what our role is right now is to consult with families that are affected, as well as small business particularly that’s also affected,” she told reporters Tuesday.
But as an acerbic Star editorial yesterday pointed out, the burning issues of the day demand that she start offering some real articulation of policy:
Horwath’s recent suggestion of consulting with business on wage increases is clearly redundant, given the fact that a panel of business and labour leaders just filed such a report — after months of discussion.
In the absence of ideas, it’s unclear what the so-called party of the people favours. Wage increases tied to inflation, like business owners? The $14-an-hour minimum wage pushed by anti-poverty activists? Given the fact that a decent wage for the lowest-paid is a key part of building a healthier society, Horwath’s silence is inexcusable – even if understandable as a short-term political tactic.
The editorial goes on to include other of the NDP leader's sins of omission. Absent is any commentary on:
- how to deal with gridlock in the Greater Toronto-Hamilton Area
- Premier Wynne's proposal for a made-in-Ontario pension plan
- plans for a sustainable provincial energy plan
Perhaps Ms Horwath was brought up to respect the proverb, "Silence is golden." At this stage in her life, however, considering the position of trust she has been given, she should also realize that to avoid the accusation of cynical political opportunism and expedience, it is an adage more honoured in the breach than the observance.
Then again, maybe her answers are blowin' in the wind.
Two weeks ago, Martin Regg Cohn offered this:
When did the party of the working poor lose its voice? Listen to the sound of Horwath clearing her throat when she finally emerged from the NDP’s Witness Protection Program this week — nine days after the panel’s exhaustive report, and nine months after its work started.
“Well, look, I respect the work of the grassroots movements that have been calling for the $14 minimum wage, but I think that what our role is right now is to consult with families that are affected, as well as small business particularly that’s also affected,” she told reporters Tuesday.
But as an acerbic Star editorial yesterday pointed out, the burning issues of the day demand that she start offering some real articulation of policy:
Horwath’s recent suggestion of consulting with business on wage increases is clearly redundant, given the fact that a panel of business and labour leaders just filed such a report — after months of discussion.
In the absence of ideas, it’s unclear what the so-called party of the people favours. Wage increases tied to inflation, like business owners? The $14-an-hour minimum wage pushed by anti-poverty activists? Given the fact that a decent wage for the lowest-paid is a key part of building a healthier society, Horwath’s silence is inexcusable – even if understandable as a short-term political tactic.
The editorial goes on to include other of the NDP leader's sins of omission. Absent is any commentary on:
- how to deal with gridlock in the Greater Toronto-Hamilton Area
- Premier Wynne's proposal for a made-in-Ontario pension plan
- plans for a sustainable provincial energy plan
Perhaps Ms Horwath was brought up to respect the proverb, "Silence is golden." At this stage in her life, however, considering the position of trust she has been given, she should also realize that to avoid the accusation of cynical political opportunism and expedience, it is an adage more honoured in the breach than the observance.
Then again, maybe her answers are blowin' in the wind.
Sunday, February 16, 2014
The Idiot Cull
I nominate the late James Coot, a Middleboro Kentucky preacher, for a 2014 Darwin Award.
Snake-handling star of ‘Snake Salvation’ reality show dies from snake bite (via Raw Story )
Snake-handling star of ‘Snake Salvation’ reality show dies from snake bite (via Raw Story )The Middlesboro, Kentucky preacher who starred in a reality show about snake-handling died Saturday night after being bitten by a snake. The Middlesboro Police Department said that at around 8 p.m., they responded to a possible snake bite at the Full…
To Be Young, Gifted, And Gay - Part Two
While I wholeheartedly agree that no one has the right to pry into a person's sexual orientation (except in cases of arrant hypocrisy), I still feel such admiration for and encouragement about the human spirit when people choose to reveal it. Following Michael Sam's recent revelation that he is gay, Canadian actress Ellen Page has made the announcement that she is as well.
In the following video, a testament to her integrity, Page talks about the priorities we all should have. I defy you not to be inspired by her words:
P.S. The audio volume of the video is somewhat low, so you may wish to turn on the closed caption option.
In the following video, a testament to her integrity, Page talks about the priorities we all should have. I defy you not to be inspired by her words:
P.S. The audio volume of the video is somewhat low, so you may wish to turn on the closed caption option.
Saturday, February 15, 2014
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