Wow, it says here that 77 per cent at the Ontario New Democrat convention in Toronto this past weekend liked Leader Andrea Horwath. Were they given a choice? Did they have someone else in mind? It seems silly to read anything into these figures. If the New Democrats had an alternative in mind, we would have known.
And when you do not know where you are going, why hire a new chauffeur?
In a spirit of inter-party cooperation, maybe Babel-on-the-Bay can help. It has always been our opinion that in Ontario the New Democrats were discouraged by some of their union members from being true socialists and the Liberals were barred by their bankers from being true reformers. It has always been our opinion that unions and banks can be equally reactionary forces and some need to be stepped on periodically. There are those times when neither a particular union nor banker are doing anybody any good.
On the other hand, there is a very strong need in Ontario for social democracy. And the truth is that liberalism and social democracy are very similar. Many political scientists are prepared to admit that there is really very little difference.
It has been noted over the years that the conservative parties have enjoyed the in-fighting between the various social democratic factions. Too often the conservatives have benefitted from that in-fighting. It has been so bad at times that New Democratic voters have switched to the conservative candidate rather than concede victory to the nasty liberals. And that has even been reciprocated by some liberals who would not vote for the left. It left bad feelings and scars.
It is time now for a new beginning. And if you are waiting for the perfect timing, there is none. It will always be difficult. There will always be some election in the offing. And there are complications because of the different federal and provincial organizations.
What we need is for the olive branch to be offered. We might have to offer it more than a few times. It will also be hard to tell the bankers and unions to take a hike. There was a comfort level there that we all might miss.
Maybe Babel-on-the-Bay can help as something of a clearing house. You know where we stand. Where are you? Do you want to help? Let us know.
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Copyright 2014 © Peter Lowry
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