The deep partisanship that has marked the crisis in the United States Congress has some lessons for Canadians. Polarisation is not the “new normal,” as New Democrats and Conservatives are preaching. It corrodes the body politic and takes us away from the simple truth that most people want a moderate, intelligent politics that’s based on facts, evidence, good values and compromise.
In 1991-92 the first ministers of the country met many times to discuss the constitution. In the corridors and in the inevitable discussions late at night we would gather together to talk about what was really on our minds – the economy and the state of public finances. The recession was taking its toll, and a “Canadian consensus” began to emerge – the country, and its provinces had to get their finances in better shape. The twenty year process of increasing deficits and debts had to come to an end. It was not a Progressive Conservative insight, or a New Democratic one, or a Liberal view, it was simply a widely shared, practical perspective that there were limits to borrowing, and that it would take a common commitment to get us to a better place.
It was not easy, but it was also not bitterly partisan. When Jean Chretien became Prime Minister in 1993, and began his own deficit attack a year later, most Canadians understood that it had to be done at the federal level as well as in every province.
The red/blue left/right split in America makes bi-partisanship almost impossible, and has taken that country to an entirely avoidable brink. As President Obama stated this morning, this is not some natural disaster beyond the wit of people to resolve. It is fixable and takes political will and a sense of the common good to fix it.
Most Canadians do not actually want a viciously partisan, left/right divide in this country. Despite Stephen Harper’s musings, the country has not suddenly turned hard right. Sixty percent of Canadians voted against Mr Harper’s party and its politics. And we need to understand that most goals in politics, as they are in hockey or soccer, are scored from the centre. That’s where the action is, and that’s where most Canadians are.
But not the dead centre where it’s safety first and always ‘on the one hand and the other hand,’ but rather an action-filled, resilient, and lively centre that is not afraid of ideas, debate, and looking at issues afresh. And that’s where the Liberal Party needs to be as well.
The one note the Conservatives can’t seem to avoid is the note of smugness and arrogance – about the election, about everyone else’s finances, about whatever issue they discuss.
The Conservatives insist that Canada’s economic record is light years ahead of the rest of the world. And yet the Canadian economy actually shrunk in May, and the combined debt of all governments in Canada – the number that matters in a federal country where provinces can borrow on the open market – is well over a trillion dollars. We have no grounds for smugness, and no basis for arrogance.
- Bob Rae
MP and Finance Critic Scott Brison has a new blog post up asking for questions on the economic crisis that he will put to the Finance Minister tomorrow morning at Committee. Read his new blog post and submit your questions as comments here: http://www.liberal.ca/newsroom/blog/put-questions-finance-minister-tomorrow/
Andre
Great article Bob, brief and to the point. We as Canadians are radical moderates; the result of being born of a native Indian father, French mother and a British King. I feel the Liberal party exemplifies this and that it must be its core value. The opposite would be spineless fanatics which represent our decadent and doomed neighbor and some obsolete inertia-driven parties of our great nation.
Hi Pascal…excellent term you provided here – ‘Radical Moderates’
I, personally, feel comfortable in that skin. My mother used to say “everything in moderation” -I wish to stretch the edge of that envelope a bit and be ‘radically moderate’. So, if you are correct (as I believe) then I am at home with LPC, in case I ever pondered my belief structures.
Here is a nifty test to see where you fit:
http://www.politicalcompass.org/
Also the site tries to peg current Canadian parties:
http://www.politicalcompass.org/canada2011
Of course parties sometimes lose their essence and must rebuild, Tories did that and now us Liberals.
A most interesting exercise. The compass is worldwide. It has history…showing swings and directions around the globe…also showing where LPC is heading from 2005 to 2008 to 2011
-if I recall the positions correctly over many map tiles:
Seems to show the Green party moving to where Liberals have come from in recent years in Canada..and moderate in the center of the axis closer than most other countries.
In the US it shows Kerry closest but higher and to the right of exact center, Sweden, Denmark, Norway and Finland just south of the center line but very moderate as well. The Scottish National Party is also in tight in that group.
NDP in Canada while staying less authoritarian and more socialist, swinging closer to the center or in that center area.
Liberals and Conservatives fairly close in ideology.
There are many many factors to take into account, however, that can swing the picture. Would be nice to see a video overlay showing party movement and directions
Hugh Ferguson said on
Aug 5, 2011 at 8:28 am Permalink
The only thing we need now is to digest that down to a 30 second elevator pitch, and a 5 second sound-bite. Part of the success of the Conservative party is their ability to compress their message into a 3 second sound bite (i.e. taxes bad, trade good
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This is EXACTLY what works today ( sadly) …hard 30 – or even 10 second sound bites – repeated over and over -hard and incessantly until the general public ingrains the message.
Ye…sad – because we want to believe that most voters process what they hear and Think….but they just Do Not. That’s Proven in the US and now here. They just Process…and then eventually Believe what has been repeated to them frequently.
That, unfortunately, is because it takes too much effort for the average person to dissect all that barrages their senses and evaluate.
…so they just accept the barrage as ‘Gospel’.
Sad but true. At least we know what we need to do as a political party … not the least of which is to arrive at a short, concise message that can be played over and over until the public “accepts it as gospel.” Of course, in our case, it probably is gospel. :)
And to elaborate on this in the context of the Liberal failure in the last election, let us examine the three campaigns. The Conservatives ran a non-campaign, focusing on a simplistic message and playing on people’s reptilian instincts (‘tax cuts good’, ‘tax hike=unemployment’, ‘put criminals behind bars’). The NDP ran a feel-good campaign (hope, joy, love, smilin’ Jack). In neither campaign was there any real substance or realistic platform. The Liberals took the approach of developing a serious platform which was realistic, and probably the platform that most realistically could have been implemented. The plan failed.
I would suggest that the Lberals need to have two separate strategies running in paralell: strategy 1 is a ‘feel-good’ campaign to get elected – don’t bother with platform specifics in this strategy as no one is really paying attention. Strategy 2 is a long term ‘how are we going to actually run the country, and bring this about’. Strategy 2 plays into strategy 1 as it arms the candidates with ammunition to answer the tough questions, but strategy 1 is all about generating a buzz.
Actually it will be a challenge because let’s face it – media in this country is owned by a few large corporations whose interests are best served with a Conservative agenda.
Hurrah! & also let’s rememember that although the next federal general election may be years away the lasting impression has already started.
Please start inserting ‘prosperity’ & ‘prosper’ whenever the opportunity arises.
Prosperity includes good economy plus other good things. Always remember that whilst a good economy is an essential component of prosperity that it is possible to have a good economy without individual prosperity & this fact can be easily retained.
I like the way you think, Hugh!
Just to clarify, Sylvain, Canadian Liberals does NOT equal U.S. Democrat. I know this because I am a former American and I absolutely would not support a Democrat party … not in the U.S. or anywhere else. The Liberal Party of Canada is a very “middle-of-the-road” political party … the U.S. Democrats are extremely left politics (more similar to the NDP – as the name would even suggest). Having said that – please understand that the U.S. and Canada are very different countries with very different political structures and, as such, one simply cannot “match up” parties across the border. It is a mistake many Canadians make and if we are to move our Party forward – we need to get away from erroneous comparisons to the U.S. We should all be proud CANADIANS and leave U.S. politics where they belong – south of the border.
oh – and thank GOD we do NOT have an Obama in Canada. We have plenty of true Canadians that will represent our Party proudly.
& I agree with that.
I hardly think the Democrats are extreme left – perhaps extreme left in the context of US politics. Actually, I see the American problem is that despite the partisanship, both parties are directly funded by the same corporations. In Canada, corporations can’t directly fund the candidates or the parties.
There is little we can import from the Democrats that can help us. Unfortunately, the Conservatives have imported the Republican’s ability to get the poor to vote against their economic self-interest.
…and THIS I agree with as well :-)
Well said, Hugh … and, yes, extreme left in terms of U.S. politics only.
As I read comments and replies I would like to offer something that may be of value – in this blog process.
I have direct experience with typed messages back and forth online when a group communicates with each other. Specifically: Everyone’s ‘style’ is unique. What happens very often is that when a person reads, analyzes and replies…sometimes they are bang on…and sometimes (including me) they are way off the original thrust of the first comment.
These comments have a time lag. Instant Messaging reduces that lag ( ie Instant) ….and yet this imperfection in the communication process happens there a well.
The only method I have seen that virtually eradicates this ‘flaw’ is voice – which because of TONE in voice – rarely leave any confusion as to the original intent.
That is why I keep suggesting Skype – which has instant IM type, but also Voice options, conference options and much more to aid in the ‘sharing and discussion’ realm of communicating with each other.
Some of us have agreed with that and joined on skype ( It’s Free and it’s Easy)….sadly most have yet to get on board. Please consider this.
I, so much, look forward to getting to the ‘next level’ with each other here on Liberal.ca and I truly believe ( know ) this step would be rewarded and appreciated by most, if not all here.
Skype is ok for the majority but it rules out the minority cosisting of the disabled with a speech defect like me & able to type with just 1 finger all as the result of a stroke.
Still, the majority properly rules & I cannot in good faith object .
Thanks for pointing that out William – and it’s an EXCELLENT point.
We are supposed to be a 100% inclusive party.
I work with many around the world with handicaps ( don’t we all have those blips in one way or another). They ( the whole group) find a way to involve and be heard and are gladly accommodating of each other. Makes us all feel more ‘family’ globally.
We have a Japanese young man who is struggling to learn English…he listens and types back ( in his particular case, he uses a translate program when he doesn’t understand completely)
In your case…you are so articulate that I would have Never suspected you use 1 finger…( better than I use my lowly 2)
So, I’m so enriched that you are here, with me….and with us.
Keep up your awesome communication, please William. I learn more…every time you type.
William,
A few months ago I was at the UTM gym in Mississauga, the Canadian paraplegic basketball team were practising in their wheelchairs. After seeing them at their game, I dropped the word disabled from my vocabulary! Actually, they made me, a fairly healthy individual look physically incompetent. This team touched my heart and had me thinking deeply.
When one becomes ‘disabled’ [I will use this word to make my point] in the normal social context, they are not really disabled, a world of new abilities open up for them. The Canadian paraplegic basketball team proved this. We usually take these human differences for granted because we see it fairly often, but we should actually contemplate and learn from it.
So, in context of the discussion going on here [somewhat], we Liberals have suffered a political setback, but, a world of new possibilities and abilities must now open up for us. A different style of governance and leadership is necessary, which I am pleased to say we are witnessing. For those who expect perfection, I say wrong planet.
Liberals have a pretty strong political history that laid the foundation for Canada being where it was until Stephen Harper came on the scene with his Republican/Tea Party style governance, disrespecting the institutions that made us strong. We Liberals have to take this message to the public with full force, we have to be proud of Liberal accomplishments historically and remind the public why Canada has been prosperous.
We are at another historic moment in Canadian politics and we need to go back to the basics of governing, respect for our citizens, institutions, rules and regulations.
Cynthia, the title of the article is about US crisis lessons learn by Canadian so yes i will make comparison because they are relevant. Specially when you compare strategy & tactics (Leave the phlosophy aside)
Did you realize how easy it is to connect GOP and conservatives (Canadian)? How about democrats and liberals or NPD as you proposed ? Not that easy because they are all over try to be in the center on some issues on the left on other or on the right when polls say so.
The three do share commonality , they try to be the smart people that knows best.
You are correct that the connections between the US Republicans and the Canadian Conservatives is strong. I’m not sure how the Democrats could help us. They are generally funded by corporations which are diametrically opposed to the populist interests that they campaign on.
It seems that nowadays, the Democrats only get elected en masse, when things are so bad in the US that folks mark ‘someone else’ on the ballot. Do we really want things to get that bad?
I will bring something up that the Globe and Mail once brought up. What if the Liberal party was loosely associated with a non-profit foundation or think tank? The Conservatives are associated with the Fraser institute and the Manning Centre, so why not a similar think tank that ultimately feeds policy research and direction to the Liberal party. It also helps in terms of getting ideas out into the media. How many times are these Conservative think tanks quoted in the paper, promoting an idea which ultimately is executed upon by the Conservative party. The think tank “socializes” the idea in the general public, then it becomes a policy plank after the public seemingly has adopted it.
Simply put, thought is free but thought expressed publically costs & where is the cash to come from?
Hugh , i support this excellent idea of being associate with think tank. Not only they can carry our message, they can help shaping public opinions
To William’s point regarding financing (since the reply mechanism only allows a depth of about 3 – Tech team, are you reading this?): Where does the money for a foundation or think tank come from? Good question. Well, there is a reason why the Conservatives changed the funding limit from $5000 to $1100. They saw that Liberal donors were fewer in number but left larger amounts, while they with their grass-roots, folksy campaign were getting larger numbers of small donations.
What this tells us is that there are reasonably well off folks who do want to donate to the party but can’t. So you hit your limit of $1,100 for the party, $1,100 for your riding association but you still want to help out financially? A foundation/think tank offers the ability to effectively help the Liberals get their message out, much like funding the Fraser Institute or Manning Centre allows conservative minded individuals and corporations to help the Conservatives without exceeding the funding limit.
When I was at the Ottawa-Vanier riding association brainstorming session, I floated one idea that there are winners and losers among the corporate sector. This foundation/think tank idea is a way for eastern corporate interests (i.e. manufacturing) to reassert itself in the face of a government that is ruled by the resource sector.
Unlike the NDP, we cannot count on the Unions for support, nor do we necessarily want to. The Liberal party is a pragmatic party when it comes to business – it’s among the reasons it has enjoyed power for much of the 20th century.
I’m not one for being a corporate shill, but I am pragmatic – we need to access deeper pockets than those we currently access. We need to buy media attention, and at a certain level, convince the business interests that own today’s media that the sky will not fall if a Liberal majority government is ever re-elected. And finally, there are wealthy among us who would like to give something back.
Is Liberal.ca …not now becoming a Think Tank in it’s own right? I’m crossing my fingers here and throwing a little salt over my shoulder and spinning clicking heels….( ok… I’m wearing sandals right now even to the barn)
I think there are Liberals out there who can still afford to fund a Liberal supporting think tank. I, personally can’t these days, but -I hope those of you who can will.
To Robert’s question: In a way this Blog forum is becoming an ad hoc think tank in its own right. I propose taking it to the next level. My wife and I were discussing this this morning. I am hearing ‘evidence based’ as a Liberal Value. A foundation can do the research to **get** that evidence as well as to promote it in the media. There are liberal academics that have been for the most part side-lined over the past 10 years (due to funding cuts at our universities), and there are young people out there that could do fabulous research for the good of the country – all they are missing is a foundation to sponsor them.
There is a lot to be learned from the US situation, but Cynthia is right; despite certain obvious parallels, Canadian and US politics are two very different animals. The American fight characterized by extreme attacks and purely ideological stances has resulted in no winners, and very many losers with the S&P still lowering the US credit rating after all the initial yelling and finger pointing died down. (There’s a heck of a lot more to come!)
The biggest thing that we can learn is just how vicious and entrenched conservatives have become as they see their way of life vanish. As Richard Florida explains in his book “The Rise of the Creative Class”, the western world now has a new dominant class made up of scientists, innovators, artists and intellectuals. Without really realizing it, they are replacing the capitalists as the class that has the power to shape society and the economy. The conservatives (generally capitalists) and the socialist leaning folks (generally labour and union types)are finding themselves in new, untested waters where they can no longer effectively call the shots and get the results they hope for. (For example, the Rep. got pretty much all they wanted in the debt ceiling deal, but the credit rating still went down and the much protected “job creators” are still going to have a very tough time of it regardless of the presence or lack of tax increases.)
I see the Liberal Party as the best to represent this emerging creative class. This gives me much hope for the future of our Party and our country. The US lacks this middle party to give a voice to this new class, and I feel that is why the struggle in the States is of such a greater magnitude than here in Canada.
What are we going to do about all this? I’ll leave that to brighter, more politically adept minds. But be sure, the struggle is only going to get greater as conservatives and possibly even the far left will see the creative class as the enemy, and will want to demonize science, the arts and all things intellectual even further. Tighten your seat belts, ladies and gentelmen, and prepare to win the societal struggle before us.
May I add that minds are (well) minds & that those not receiving higher education can be intrinsically creative.
Oh, there is no doubt about it. I didn’t mean to imply that the creative class is the domain of only those with the highest education. Creativity is not bound by education, income-level, ethnicity, gender, etc. In some ways, it can be a great equalizer. However, I believe that a lot of the populist mistrust for academia and the so called elites stems from this often inaccurate characterization. Not so long ago, elite meant a middle-aged suit clad man in a Bay Street bank tower. Today it usually means somebody in Burkenstocks, drinking a latte next to their bike at a campus coffee shop.
Rosemary Boissonneau said on
Aug 7, 2011 at 2:08 pm
Not so long ago, elite meant a middle-aged suit clad man in a Bay Street bank tower. Today it usually means somebody in Burkenstocks, drinking a latte next to their bike at a campus coffee shop.
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Can that include somebodies in cheaper rubber clogs or sandals, drinking a lowly home grown Molson’s next to their gate at the horse barn in Prince Edward County? Hope so… ;-)
I agree US and Canada don’t have the same system or philosophy and comparing them at the level is useless. I’m comparing PARTY strategy and tactics and whether you like it or not the GOP and conservatives use the same or are converging rapidly towards the same. The foundation is radical (tea party reform party), big business funding, religious movement backing and the gameplan is easy: let it rip. How far they are willing to go, well how about hijacking the country to force adeal that is so bad that you get punish by the market and credit agencies. All of this to undermine the president and democrats to be able to take the power. That’s how far they are will to go to gain power to push their idealogy.
We will not beat Harper with good ideas only. Reality is by the next election he will have achieve deficit 0, unemployment will be down from where it is today (net of retirements versus new labor force , not Cons policy) and chance is that they will have new assets for the military in place.
We have to start nailing them where they will be weak: Debt, productivity , trade balance ( $ will continue to go up) .
The CREATIVE CLASS , i like it ! its very catchy and could rally a lot of people ! thanks for the source ill get the book
I like a Liberal study on returning to a hard asset foundation to our printed money. I envision a standard not just backed by gold but by our other hard assets we sell worldwide…a Canadian Composite where we buy and store at least 50% value against the printed dollars out in circulation…investing in our industries in Canada…and not in ‘promissory notes’ heaped on top of more ‘promissory notes’
Definitely we should be looking at the US crisis and learn.
Republicans ride on the Tea party , Conservatives ride on the Reform party. Their positions are clear, small government, low tax, gun lover, gay bashers, bible hugger …. Democrats like us liberals stands for anything the others, GOP or Conservatives, stand for. Our position are vague, we are green but not too much , we are for social justice for whatever it means, we are for helping the poor if we can afford it …..
Tactics of the GOP & Cons, in your face attack, turning lobbying into weapons of mass destruction , making the democrats and liberal looks like pussies.
Results: Democrats and liberal are getting their butt kicked , we almost got blown out of the map and if Obama was not the leader of the democrat for the next election , they would be blogging like we do because they lost their jobs.
Time to suit up to fight. I understand we want to be more intellectual and reasonable but it doesn’t work here , it doesn’t work in the US. Frankly do you really want to have a north American continent lead by the tea party and the reform party?
Suggestion : separate the intellectuals from the fighters in the Liberal party. Enough putting down anybody who wants to get in the face of conservatives the same way they do.
The intellectuals: get together give us a strategy that can win , we will rally people that can fight and we will make it happen.
We don’t have a Barrack Obama to win the next election so we will need to suit up, learn how to be fast with 3 bullets points position, learn how to use talking head to run attack for us, learn to run ad campaign that has punch
I’m with the proposal in general.
I’m with the proposal in general as well. I’ve been feeling the same way since well before the May Meltdown. I think we’ve been melting for 10 years or more. Time to change tactics and intend to win in 2015.
It’s ok to be ‘Liberal’ the polite way AFTER the Harper Government has been Euthanized
I have signed up for all replies to these blogs on my e-mail and have found that my site is filled with inconsequential blathering from about a half dozen bloggers. Inspirational? NOT! In spite of the fact that I have stated my concerns about the liberal.ca website, in that half of the left hand side of the page is missing, no one has ever responded and I am still unsure whether the problem is mine or the entire website. I am a lifelong Liberal and know very well why I cannot move to either the right or the left in the big picture, but, being in the middle is sometimes very hard to defend and justify because, to the outsiders, it appears that we stand for nothing. I think that Bob Rae’s explanation that we follow the evidence, scientific and otherwise, to make our decisions and that social justice should underpin every action taken are pretty good places to start our conversation with the uncommitted. Then we have to prove that the Liberal Party, when next in government, will actually follow those principles to the letter. I would suggest that what is really needed is honesty, a big step away from partisanship and away from rewarding long-time members of the Liberal Party when that is the only qualification they possess in relation to the reward. Canadians are very tired of partisan appointments and we will only see more of that over the next 4 years, if the past is any predictor of the future! It is very difficult when your supporters are standing at the trough, not to give in to that loyalty, but I hope and believe that the Liberal Party at the Biennial Convention will state categorically that, when in power, they will make all appointments based on merit, ability, and qualifications, and choose the Liberal candidate only if all other qualities are equal. I believe that the ultra-partisanship in US politics will lead to their eventual downfall, but recognize that constructive opposition is very necessary in the democratic process. Let’s oppose only on the basis of our stated principles, and object loud and long if those principles, shared by most Canadians, are being ignored by the government, but we sure do not need to oppose and criticize every little statement made, at every political opportunity. That just makes us look small. Enough said from this small corner of Canada. But I really want to see ideas on this blog site, not just a lot of conversation by a handful of the already committed.
I believe that though the details are forgotten an indelible impression is left when values are built around an entity that is itself valued & prosperity certainly is.
Whenever a senior office holding Liberal makes a statement perhaps the word ‘prosperity’ or ‘prosper’ should be included.
Liberal values can lead to prosperity of individuals & groups.
We have the dream and the right to ask for (and work toward) Life, Liberty and Prosperity…A LIBERAL UMBRELLA has provided this to Canada,in the past, and can today provide this to all Canadians, still.
I’m sorry…but I find William Lyon Mackenzie’s words and warnings inspirational and Very Appropriate to discuss here.
I realize that this might be taboo, not being a Liberal supporter per say, however I just had to tip my hat off to Joan Richard for her comment eariler, I ahve a large amount of respect for someone who can look at current politics and come up with the conclusion that we all need to stop pointing fingers and just get the job done. The line “Let’s oppose only on the basis of our stated principles, and object loud and long if those principles, shared by most Canadians, are being ignored by the government, but we sure do not need to oppose and criticize every little statement made, at every political opportunity. That just makes us look small” is incredibly well stated and should we all take on the same attitude maybe things can get done in this day and age.
Kye…would you consider helping to build this party your way?…and in doing so be new Liberal supporter? That would be welcome. Most of what has been taking place here so far is an attempt at stirring up the juices. I’m sorry Joan didn’t see it that way…but if more people comment…less blithering, by the few, would be noticed. :)
Robert, I would be open to support any Party who is willing to listen to the people and do for the people. I am in no way saying that the Liberals are not trying to do that currently I am merely making the statement. In terms of stiring up the juices, that’s what we need to do, but it needs to not be boiled down to back and forth insults on the party leaders, that just brings us back to the terrible highschool mentality towards your “opposition” whatever it may be that we should all be long done with. If everyone were to analyze a situation and choose whichever party were to promote their ideals rather than choosing whichever party has “made less mistakes” then a true governemnt would be put into place. True the stigma is that the Liberal party has made a lot of mistakes in past while in power but we need to focus on who will be progressive, put the past in the past and who will actually have the determination and the resources to represent the country as a whole for all of our futures.
I am in no way an expert on the government and have only just started taking an interest in what is going on and just had to respond to Joans post because of all the ones I had read prior hers was more along my way of thinking, it was refreshing to read.
I would have to agree with you Kye. How could I not?
Truly, the opportunity here is for a newer path charted by those who feel the desire to give a little of themselves to help to create a country management body which all will be proud of, and identify with.
Really nice to have you here btw, you speak well.
Liberal values lead to prosperity. With Liberals at the helm Canadians can prosper.
To reference our current ‘ECONOMIC’ model:
Of Primary Concern to Every Canadian
by Jason Draper / Vancouver North
The issue I am referring to overshadows everything. It is colossal. It is a behemoth. It is titanic in proportions compared to the childish topics and idle chatter raised by the megalomaniacs who think they run the country.
This issue is eating us alive, and yet very few can acknowledge that it even exists, despite the fact it has never been refuted. This issue affects fisheries and is the root cause of the current dispute over the halibut fishing industry. This is the root cause over the reason numerous mills have been forced to close here on Vancouver Island in the past couple of years. This is the root cause as to why your food is far more expensive, your gas more expensive, and your homes practically unaffordable. This is the root cause as to why we don’t have enough doctors or nurses. This is the root cause as to why year after year, seniors find it harder to make ends meet, living on less and less while being taxed more and more. It is the reason the federal debt cannot be eliminated. It is the very reason Canadians carry some of the highest debt per capita in the entire world. This issue is so large it puts the entire green movement to shame in terms of sheer magnitude. This issue of which I speak is the fundamental but intentional flaw in our economic system which not only threatens our livelihood, but our very existence.
The issue of which I speak is the same one promulgated by Mackenzie King 76 years ago. Mackenzie King was the longest running Prime Minister in Canadian history, and there certainly is a reason why. King brought the country out of the depression. How? He brought us our own bank, the peoples bank, the Bank of Canada. Why? Here is what he said:
” Once a nation parts with the control of its currency and credit, it matters not who makes that nation’s laws. Usury, once in control, will wreck any nation. Until the control of the issue of currency and credit is restored to government and recognized as its most conspicuous and sacred responsibility, all talk of the sovereignty of Parliament and of democracy is idle and futile ” – (In 1935, at the beginning of the election campaign, Mackenzie King of the Liberal Party)
——————————-
William Lyon Mackenzie King
Biography
1874 - 1950
“It is what we prevent, rather than what we do that counts most in Government.” – Mackenzie King, August 26, 1936
This statement sums up best the secret of Mackenzie King’s success as prime minister, and perhaps, the key to governing Canada effectively. King’s record as prime minister is sometimes difficult to assess. He had no captivating image, he gave no spellbinding speeches, he championed no radical platform. He is remembered for his mild-mannered, passive compromise and conciliation. Yet Mackenzie King led Canada for a total of twenty-two years, through half the Depression and all of the Second World War. Like every other prime minister, he had to possess ambition, stamina and determination to become prime minister and, in spite of appearances, his accomplishments in that role required political acuity, decisiveness and faultless judgement.
King studied economics and law at the University of Toronto and the University of Chicago. After graduating with an M.A. in 1897, he pursued his studies at Harvard. In 1900, he entered the civil service and became Deputy Minister of the new Department of Labour. King joined the Liberal party and won a seat in the 1908 election. The following year he was appointed Minister of Labour in Prime Minister Sir Wilfrid Laurier’s Cabinet.
I looked at the Liberal site this morning and in my opinion the recent comments are fast becoming a diatribe from soap boxes. Let everyone be heard & at the same time please put something in place that classifies.
?…Could you expound here?
This is leadership we can believe in. This is the attitude that has led this country’s valiant progress and international leadership as well. This is the logical and natural way to govern.
Liberals might have lost this edge over the last five years, but I am feeling confident and inspired we are back on track and will overcome this current blip under Mr.Rae’s leadership.
Leadership is made solid from the bottom up.
A successful ‘manager’ supports his work force from underpinning them and their efforts. Most supposed managers don’t get this.
A good manager backs up his entire team – from the mail room and warehouse out. They will, in turn, be and feel empowered. That’s how proper teamwork achieves.
Respect and Trust between all will ‘get it done’
See James Cameron speaking on what he has learned so far in his lifetime about team respect and trust. It’s a revealing short video – applies to everyone.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=PVfd6fg7QsM
Bob, thanks for your view of the interesting situation in the USA. In this age of quick communication, I believe our policies need to be specific and quickly implemented. Vagueness and postponement will not attract citizens to the party. I think we have to discard the ‘old’ ways of taking a middle ground in an attempt to appeal to everyone.
Many interesting ‘thinkers’ and economists have warned for years that this was a train wreck waiting to happen.
This is now way beyond the current governing party ( don’t blame them when they can’t manage this global play – they have little ability to change the scenario – although they will take credit when the economy seems on course)
I believe the Liberal Party of Canada should champion a return to the Gold Standard ( or Silver or Beaver Pelts ) …pinning ‘paper’ Canadian Dollars printed, to Hard Assets – instead of this shell game of debt-promise notes. Debt underpinning debt underpinning debt. ( some I have read suggests at least 50% of dollars in circulation be backed by law with a balanced amount of hard assets in ‘the national vault’. I think a case can be made to back our dollar with a composite of the top 3, 5 or 10 resources Canada has and sells to the world.
How about corporate layoffs being tied (by law) -lock step to profits….loss in profit trims the workforce – rise in profit expands the workforce ( by Canadian law).
How about levels of corporate tax increasing in Canada along with corporate profiteering levels. Share the bounty with the country. Profit loss lessons the corporate tax burden. Canada shares the burden with that corporation. Is this too simplistic? Some will say yes…but then again some will say anything to ensure corporate profits.
Point being, I think, that the Liberal Party needs to show strong and leading edge direction…Fiscally Tough – but with a compassionate heart to all citizens – including corporate ‘citizens’. Key words – Leading and Fiscally Tough – both in tandem. That’s what Canadians want based on the voting preferences shown in our recent election.
I believe you Can be both – Fiscally bulletproof AND compassionate in social aids. It’s not rocket science….it just SEEMS to be. It boils down to Beaver Hard Work and National Will.
First off, let’s remember that 75% of Canadians didn’t cast a vote for the Liberal Party this last election. It stands that the NDP and LPC stand on the periphery, and the Conservatives are at the center.
=”The one note the Conservatives can’t seem to avoid is the note of smugness and arrogance – about the election, about everyone else’s finances, about whatever issue they discuss.”=
No, Liberals still hold the patent on smugness. Disastrously calling an election when no Canadian wanted one and then being punished by the electorate, Mr. Rae still talks like the LPC has the pulse of the nation. Time for the LPC to check their own pulse, if there is one.
The Conservatives are proud of this fantastic country, and rightly so. Like an athlete proudly carrying the Olympic torch before the beginning of a Games, the Conservatives are proud to Canada’s chosen representatives to lead this country onwards into the 21st. century.
Well I disagree that the Liberals caused the election. The non-confidence motion happened on the contempt of parliament charges, but the budget was set up to be deliberately partisan, thus designed to provoke an election. The Liberals chose to call non-confidence on ethics rather than tax cuts for corporations. There is an argument to be made that the latter may have been a better call – we now have even lower corporate tax rates than the US and look where their low taxes have got them.
Ireland cut their corporate tax rates to the bone, far lower than Canada’s. Unfortunately, the privateers that were supposed to create new jobs with their tax breaks moved to other countries. Corporate tax cuts do not stimulate job creation. Corporate tax cuts allow corporations to tank up their cash reserves and reduce their workforces.
Anyone who thinks that any major corporations will be putting Any national country interests ahead of their own lust for profit has an unrealistic and wishful thinking world view. Human interests will Always be damned.
After Doug’s post just refer to yesterday’s international news.
Highest Bank Profits in history = Let’s cut and slash heavily now to see how much More juice we can squeeze from this orange!
My sincere sympathies to any HSBC employees in Canada or the U.S.
God speed.
HSBC posts £7billion profit… and then swiftly announces it is axing 30,000 jobs
Read more: http://www.dailymail.co.uk/news/article-2021007/HSBC-announce-30-000-job-losses–posting-profits-7bn.html #ixzz1TrtIpdzo
Contempt of parliament was entirely a Liberal beast, it wasn’t the whole parliament it was an opposition committee. It was obvious to the voting public that the contempt motion and noise was a partisan tactic.
Here’s the thing: the election was called by the Liberals and framed as “those other boys are being MEAN!!!11″, the public by and large said “toughen up cupcake”. I sent this to the LPC at the beginning of the election, turns out they tried to make the election about democracy while Layton and Harper ate the libs breakfast. Maybe have a listen next time.
http://the-mound-of-sound.blogspot.com/2011/03/dear-iggy.html
Enough weak leaders who can’t stand up to even vague criticism, let’s have some primaries in the Liberal party.
Paul S said on
Jul 30, 2011 at 9:35 pm Permalink
” The Conservatives are proud of this fantastic country, and rightly so. Like an athlete proudly carrying the Olympic torch before the beginning of a Games, the Conservatives are proud to Canada’s chosen representatives to lead this country onwards into the 21st. century.”
Yes, I agree that true Conservatives are proud of this fantastic country.
- If you read back all the posts from the last 3 weeks or so you will see that this blog group has at it’s foundation ex- Progressive Conservatives
as well as new and life Liberals. I’m not manufacturing this (if you are doubtful)
They are here…we are here because so many gave a party a majority to run this country for 5 year – without having a true idea who and what that group represents.
Stephen Harper quote – ” When I get finished – you won’t recognize this country ” (paraphrased – but that’s the message he said…and meant)
That’s what you wish? Canada to be another style of country? If so…you have that right – but I want Canada as it is and has been my whole life.
Sixty percent of Canadians voted against Mr Harper’s party and its politics.
Vote splitting in the 308 ridings was the reason for the majority. This has happened in the past as well with liberal majorities..we have that style of electing governments. Most votes for the NDP came from disaffected Liberals, heritage Progressive Conservatives – not life NDPers.
Many votes for the current party who won the majority didn’t know what else to do – and many bought into the taxpayer paid for attack ad crap which was so effective this time around.
Liberals were unconscious, for the most part…but don’t make the mistake of thinking that will happen in 2025.
There Will be much Gnashing of teeth in the coming years as far as Harper moves. There will be so many who will DENY they voted for the Harper Government of Canada. ( Remember the NDP in Ontario…denial, denial, denial) Just wait and see.
…2015 – typo
Paul – Please do not speak for ALL Canadians. I and many other Canadians DID want an election in May … we did not necessarily want the results we were handed – but that is life and we now must make the most of what we have. You are certainly welcome to post here – but please try to be civil, non-argumentative and not critical of the Liberal Party. After all – this is a Liberal Party website … if you disagree with our views, you should not waste your time here. The same holds true for anyone who posts here. We are Canadians focused on bringing Canada back to herself … no ill-intent or south-of-the-border bad politicking … just Canadians being Canadian first and Liberal second.
Step 1 – Develop a simple understandable ‘catch phrase’ to link the path Harper has put us on with what’s happening in the US.
Step 2 – All MPP’s and senators repeat the same message in unison on every media platform they can
Step 3 – Repeat this message over and over and over again.
This blog posts are nice but it’s like preaching to choir – many of us have known this information for a long while. Question is why do we give the Conservatives a free pass? Communications as a whole needs vast improvements going forward.
It is always said that Canada’s economy is dependent upon the US economy. This frightens me. That we are dependent upon a divided and clearly unstable country that cannot agree with each side to save its own future. However deep down I’m convinced that Canada does not have to depend on the US. With real leadership and a “green” vision we can be the global epicenter of Country that produces, manufactures, and distributes energy efficient green technology. Which will create jobs, build our economy by selling these products aboard and build an economy to be reckoned with. All the country needs to do is attract businesses that wish to sell green and energy efficient products here, with tax cuts and incentives to manufacture here. This is a vision worth taking on Liberal Party.
I agree. The greening of our society and economy is the best way forward. Much of the present problems come from our unsustainable life styles and business models. The present political systems (the US system being the most stark example) are not well equipped for creating the necessary dialogue and innovative political leadership to deal adequately with this crisis of sustainability. The right/left divide grew organically from a different reality than the one we have today, and in its time, worked relatively well as a vehicle for healthy debate within the framework of that reality. Today is an entirely different story. All the right/left arguing we’re witnessing in the States presently is much like a dog chasing its tail–a lot of energy and drama resulting in nothing. As centrists, we Liberals are uniquely placed to forge a new way, one with a focus on sustainability and social justice, that will address the challenges facing us and embrace the change that is already under way.
We will, of course, face much criticism from the left and right as these ideas shake up their world view and threaten the underpinnings of their way of life. The Conservatives (and to a lesser extent, the NDP) are trying to turn back the tides by attacking innovation, intellectualism and science. It is a politics of denial and the harm it causes us all is immense. I have no doubt that this is the root of the viciousness countered against both Michael Ignatieff and Stephan Dion as both are stunning intellectuals. Such mistrust of creativity, initiative, adaptability and intellect will not stop change, but only make society all the less prepared for its impacts.
Finding a new way forward will take a lot of energy and creativity, and a willingness to rebuild from the ground up. And that is exactly what the Liberal Party is in the process of doing.
Well said Mr. Rae! This is the kind of statement that we need to see and hear on a regular basis. Unfortunately it is a sermon to the converted. Judging by the number of posts to this blog we (the LPC) are not stirring any hearts as yet. I think the party has a window of perhaps one year where we can try to enunciate vision and policies and then we will need to lock into the Tory POISON GAS campaign. Money is everything. Party members need to put their hands into their pockets, remembering how little a maximum donation will cost.
It is to be hoped that the LPC will find additional ways to raise funds. While there is considerable enthusiasm at what we may call “grass roots” level there is no spark in the “grass tops”. Volunteers like me, NOT long-term party members but supporters nevertheless, who have chosen this time of crisis to join the LPC need to see some evidence that the party really does want to change and become truly democratic in an effort to truly represent the Canadian People.
As a new member (impelled to join to replace the per vote sum that the CPC said it wil eliminate) I keep asking for an officia set of corevalues to use when talking to non-members & voters,all tono avail.
Hi William,
The following is taken from the Preamble of the Party’s Constitution (found in the Party documents section):
“The Liberal Party of Canada is committed to the view that the dignity of each individual man and woman is the cardinal principle of democratic society and the primary purpose of all political organization and activity in such a society.
The Liberal Party of Canada is dedicated to the principles that have historically sustained the Party: individual freedom, responsibility and human dignity in the framework of a just society, and political freedom in the framework of meaningful participation by all persons. The Liberal Party is bound by the constitution of Canada and the Canadian Charter of Rights and Freedoms and is committed to the pursuit of equality of opportunity for all persons, to the enhancement of our unique and diverse cultural community, to the recognition that English and French are the official languages of Canada, and to the preservation of the Canadian identity in a global society.
In accordance with this philosophy, the Liberal Party of Canada subscribes to the fundamental rights and freedoms of persons under the rule of law and commits itself to the protection of these essential values and their constant adaptation to the changing needs of modern Canadian society.
The Liberal Party of Canada recognizes that human dignity in a democratic system requires that all citizens have access to full information concerning the policies and leadership of the Party; the opportunity to participate in open and public assessment of such means, and such modifications of policies and leadership as they deem desirable to promote the political, economic, social, cultural and general well-being of Canadians.
To realize this objective, the Liberal Party of Canada strives to provide a flexible and democratic structure whereby all Canadians can obtain such information, participate in such assessment and militate for such reform through open communications, free dialogue and participatory action both electoral and non-electoral. This Constitution sets forth the institutions, systems and procedures by which the Liberal Party of Canada, in co-operation with its provincial and territorial associations and electoral district associations, works to implement these ideas on behalf of all its members.”
The Constitution has been adopted by member-delegates at the last Biennial so it represents the membership’s views.
Members, Volunteers and Party Officials are also having discussions similar to this in ridings across the country as part of the grassroots rebuilding of our Party. If you are interested in finding out more about the discussions that are going on in the riding of Ottawa-Vanier please read their report here: http://www.liberal.ca/newsroom/blog/part-ii-rebuilding-ottawa-vanier/.
The only thing we need now is to digest that down to a 30 second elevator pitch, and a 5 second sound-bite. Part of the success of the Conservative party is their ability to compress their message into a 3 second sound bite (i.e. taxes bad, trade good….kind of sounds like the chants in Orwell’s Animal farm). I like what someone said at the Ottawa-Vanier rebuilding session, that Liberal values are ‘evidence’ based.
I wish a version of your post outlining the Liberal party would be put at the bottom of the first website splash page
Andre -I wish that…