National Leadership Debate (en anglais)


I just finished watching the last English language debate between the four big Canadian Parties (er... well, actually I just finished watching Rollergirls, though I watched the debate prior to that - yay Sister Mary Jane!) before our federal election in two weeks time and came away shaking my head. It amazes me the low calibre of individuals we have running to lead this nation out of over 30 million people. I know, it's not just us as the U.S. elected George W. twice and they have some 350 million folks down there to select from. You would think, however, that somebody with some kind of vision and ideology would eventually rise to the challenge, become the head of a major political party and truly make a difference. Hell, I'd settle for someone who would simply answer a question "yes" or "no", even if they were against my ideological beliefs. Seriously, you ask a question about something like "did you" or "didn't you" and you get some kind of tirade about something completely unrelated.

And then they wonder why voting numbers are declining...

I have considered politics briefly as I feel that it's easy to stand back and take pot shots, and that you've got to put your money where your mouth is some time, but don't think that I would ever take the plunge as there is no mainstream or even fringe party that represents my views, nor is there a party that I could fully endorse and not feel a hypocrite. I am actually a Shop Steward for the Correctional Officers Union local at the prison where I work, but more often than not find it hard to tow the party line as the regional and national echlons often bring stuff forward that I personally oppose. My god, perhaps I'm a closet anarchist!

In spite of the bleak landscape, I feel compelled to vote for someone. Part of it is because many people died for the right to vote, though some may argue that they died also for the option not too. I do feel that to criticise one must at least partake in the process, and perhaps this is how I am validating my voice.

It really is amazing how we have survived as a nation...

In any case, to lead a Western nation these days we would be naive to believe that ideology really plays a significant role in that most mainstream parties are angling more to be the national CEO, and that's why the issues of money tend to receive somewhat more concrete attention than anything in regards to ethics or social policy. For example, the Liberals and Conservatives will give you a somewhat straight answer on certain tax break proposals (whether or not they follow through is a completely different issue) such as our 7% GST, but major questions like "polls indicate that the majority of Canadians support the death penalty for certain crimes; would your party consider re-establishing capital punishment?" will never get anything close to resembling a "oui" or "non".

Perhaps it's the lack of ideological rhetoric that characterises the lack of passion amongst the electorate. There is nothing really to get folks fired up, stimulating conversation around the water cooler or in the cafes and pubs. And this is what any successful corporate CEO wants of their workers: a bit of grumbling, but, at the end of the day, complete subserviance and antipathy. We look at the only parties with a strong ideological approach to government such as the Libertarians, Marxists, Greens, etc., and laugh as we are so entrenched within the corporate mentality and know that, sadly, any of these fringe parties would lead us to economic ruin. The only exception is the Bloc Quebecois.

...It would be interesting if every province and territory in Canada had a similar party to the Bloc who's primary concern is one province, in spite of being of national party standing. Imagine, the Nova Scotia Party in the House of Commons, sitting next to the Alberta and Manitoba Parties... It might not be a bad idea and could stimulate some debate amongst the masses.

...Ah, I am so dreaming!