The problem I have with the electoral process is that I have no say on actual issues. If I bring up things like referenda and direct democracy the self serving logic of party politics seems to take precedence over political agendas.The local riding association has been around for years but they do not really give out the vibe that input is wanted. Invariably all I am are ever asked to do is to stuff envelopes, put up signs, call people up and read preapred statements during election time.
I think the NDP is very good on the real issues at least in identifying them but they have been too accomodating to the political culture that insulates electoral politics and defines the realm of the possible.
In the last provincial election the Liberal won by a landslide, wiping out the NDP support as people rallied around his leftish pronouncements. But what was galling was a Tory candidate was parachuted in a few weeks before the campaign and doubled the NDP vote over a fairly credible candidate.
I think this type of thing is set to happen across the province and many others are.
On the other hand Marilyn Churley argued prior to Eves winning the leadership race (a number of us thought he would lose) that it would be better for NDPers if Eves won the leadership race since he would draw Liberal voters.
In many of the ridings where NDPers win it is because there is a strong Tory presence as well. If, the argument goes, the Tories had elected someone who was too right-wing the Liberals would win many of the few NDP ridings.
That does not seem to be the case now.
Eves is also promoting himself as more conciliatory and I think he is trying to give the impression of taking the "high road" . The idea is that if there is a minority government that the NDP will be able to win conciliations with Eves in the governament such as the cancellation of the sale of Hydro one, Bill 160, teacher recertification. These things would give the NDP a boost in the minds of the voting public and would weaken Liberal support which has steadily increased at NDP expense I think because of the negative perceptions of the Rae years.
The people of Ontario must certainly recognize that the Liberal party is not peopled with Gerrard Kennedys but with Dalton McGuintys and other right wing Liberls who would quickly drop the mantel of reformers once in power.
In retrospect guess the Eves backers are much more shrewd than I thought. Marilyn Churley is very astute and a nice person to boot!
Federal Politics
The NDP is all but invisible federally at least from where I sit. It would be nice to be able to attend a meeting to discuss what the NDP has been doing Federally but I think we have no representation from the Toronto area.
This is fairly amazing. A working class that spands the GTA and no socialists elected - is this reasonable to expect in a normal democratic world?.
[ May 25, 2002: Message edited by: Boinker ]
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posted 15 May 2002 03:56 PM
