Democracy overhaul
In recent weeks, my colleague Jim Travers has been writing quite eloquently about the dearth of democracy here in Canada. And clearly it is an idea whose time has come -- the same theme runs through new books by Elizabeth May and Garth Turner. (All three were on CBC Radio's Sunday program last week. You can find the show's website, and ways to hear the broadcast, here.)
This appetite for reform isn't confined to Canada either. Yesterday, The Guardian Newspaper launched its own, ambitious effort in this direction, found here. The sheer breadth of topics addressed on this site shows that it's going to require concerted effort -- from politicians, public servants, lobbyists, and yes, even and especially we in the media, to really fix this beast called politics.
Yup - seems like a fresh breeze is blowing through a lot of smokey back rooms!
You were away Susan - when the Liberal leadership battle was resolved. The way it was resolved concerned many of us. While we badly wanted the party to get its act together and move forward, it seemed on the surface - that a small group had taken the opportunity of a vacuum at the top to leapfrog their candidate over the other fine candidates. Took a lot of pushing from the grassroots and a number of trusted folks at the top, and the final step to move to One Member One Vote - to convince us that whatever happened - there was a genuine feel from the top down that - this time - we would do things differently.
I believe the tone, the message and the timing of the Ignatieff YouTube video yesterday - was the frist esternal sign of what the Liberal Party has finally internalized!
But - on the other hand - I've always been a dreamy eyed optimist!
Posted by: Wascally Wabbit | May 21, 2009 at 02:46 PM
Re: Ms. Cherneski lamenting the need for politicians' attacks on each other. Perhaps she wasn’t here to see these ads?
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=uMsqEph7a8I&eurl=http%3A%2F%2Fwww%2Estephentaylor%2Eca%2F&feature=player_embedded
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6kvmApqlMcc&feature=related
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=QmhLquwbs8k&feature=related
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2TRpNo75qPU&feature=related
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=HCFWXbOWwv8
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=C5UDpj4ptEo&feature=related
As the saying goes, sometimes you have to fight fire with fire - unfortunately. As I’ve stated here and elsewhere, I personally dislike attack ads. I would prefer to find out what the candidates’ policies are. However, if a candidate’s opponents issue attacks, then a response in kind is sure to be in the offing.
Also, think of the media’s role in helping attack ads become, if not acceptable, the norm. During the 2008 election campaign, PM Harper tried to project a different side of himself, so he donned a sweater vest in some ads. The media was merciless in mocking him, calling him “sweater guy.” Even his plane was called Sweater
VestAir.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=DmNNzPL5PvY&feature=related
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=i2FUSOurCFU&NR=1
Think back to the 2006 election. This series of Conservative ads were criticized for not having enough of a “professional” look, for being hokey, for the “actors” seeming stiff.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=NR19UNnW20E
Finally, re: Ms. Cherneski’s worry she will not be welcomed back, that people will call her opportunistic and turn on her. Only if she returns as the conquering heroine, expecting to be handed immediately
1. a guaranteed riding without opposition, with no time spent as a backbencher
2. backroom support for a first bid at the leadership, with no previous experience as an MP
3. an uncontested second bid at the leadership and eventual coronation
4. powerful media allies promoting her skills while criticizing her opponents’
She’ll have to pay her dues, like almost everyone else - with some very conspicuous exceptions!
Posted by: Gabby in QC | May 21, 2009 at 03:43 PM
My mistake - my comment just posted here should have been posted under the thread "Ads: The View from Afar."
Posted by: Gabby in QC | May 21, 2009 at 03:46 PM
Hear! Hear! Politics is so important and affects all our lives. Done right it has amazing potential to bring people together to achieve something great. However, politics in Canada is currently quite sickening. There is so much division, misinformation and mudslinging and behind the scenes we hear of even worse demonization. As a result, good people stay out of politics, voters stay home and the nastiness feeds on itself.
Posted by: woods | May 22, 2009 at 05:45 AM