Democracy Gone Astray

Democracy, being a human construct, needs to be thought of as directionality rather than an object. As such, to understand it requires not so much a description of existing structures and/or other related phenomena but a declaration of intentionality.
This blog aims at creating labeled lists of published infringements of such intentionality, of points in time where democracy strays from its intended directionality. In addition to outright infringements, this blog also collects important contemporary information and/or discussions that impact our socio-political landscape.

All the posts here were published in the electronic media – main-stream as well as fringe, and maintain links to the original texts.

[NOTE: Due to changes I haven't caught on time in the blogging software, all of the 'Original Article' links were nullified between September 11, 2012 and December 11, 2012. My apologies.]

Monday, March 19, 2012

Don’t get stuck in fights of yesterday, says Cullen

Since the outset of the NDP leadership race, the majority of political observers have placed Skeena-Bulkley Valley, B.C. MP Nathan Cullen, 39, on the contest’s metaphorical backbench. But through the months of campaigning, Mr. Cullen’s profile has increased and he has carved out a niche for himself as a progressive and new-age politician, with a focus on the environment.

The party’s new preferential ballot voting system has led to speculation that Mr. Cullen will be one of two possible king-makers in the race. Indeed, Mr. Cullen has whittled out a healthy dose of support in B.C. The media are calling him the “dark horse” of the race. But while Mr. Cullen has largely won the support of his home province the question of the hour is—how much of the rest of NDP Canada has he won over?

The Hill Times conducted a Q&A with Mr. Cullen.

The NDP made some important gains with the last election, both in terms of Quebec support and in terms of the party’s standing in the House. Pundits have criticized a lack of division between the leadership candidates. What sets you apart and makes you the right person to lead the federal NDP?


“I don’t think that that criticism can be made of us. We’ve put forward some bold proposals. I think I’m the right person because Canadians look at Mr. Harper’s majority, realize it does not reflect the majority’s values, and want something better.  I’m alone among the candidates in being open to doing politics differently to help deliver a government that reflects, not attacks, most peoples’ values.”

Some have criticized your idea to change the voting system (Liberals, NDP, Greens would run one candidate in Conservative-held ridings), one objection being that it would just give the Conservatives a better chance, other objections are that the parties are too different etc. How do you respond to criticisms of this idea?

“That some say we must choose between power and principles and I fundamentally disagree. The clear and present danger that the current government represents requires us to think differently about politics. Getting stuck in the fights of yesterday does not reciprocate the openness that Canadians and Quebecers, in particular, showed us in the last election.”

What personal achievement, in the public sphere, are you proudest of? Why?

“Working with civil society, First Nations, and, ultimately, the federal government, to establish the Great Bear Rainforest on Canada’s West Coast.”

Why did you first get into politics? Is that still what drives you?  Why are you still in politics?

“I’m a pragmatic person and believe that combining our principles with the willingness to win is what the world needs of us right now. I got into politics to affect change at the largest scale that I was able. I’m driven by the people and the place I represent, Northern B.C., and its future asks us some critical questions that we must answer. We want to find new and better ways to practise our politics.”

How do you think the NDP has fared thus far as official opposition? If you were elected party leader, what would your Parliamentary strategy be in the House to ensure the NDP was an effective official opposition?

“We must combine our effectiveness as Parliamentarians with our ability to reach beyond the bubble of Ottawa. Moving public opinion as we did with the draconian Bill C-30 is essential to holding this government in check.”

What is the biggest obstacle standing between the NDP and its goal of forming government?

 “Our ability to interpret the results of the last federal election properly and further unify progressive Canadians across the country.”

Currently plagued by hyper-partisan behaviour, do you think Question Period still serves a valuable purpose? How can it realistically be fixed?

“We will work with the Speaker, and the vast consensus amongst Canadians is that we must restore some dignity and honour to the role of Parliament.”

What are the top three policy issues you think the NDP should focus on? Why?

“Creating a more effective and reflective voting system; energy and climate policy; and reversing the growing divide between the haves and have nots.”

Some observers are saying that the NDP’s gains in the last election were a Jack Layton phenomenon. If you’re elected party leader, how would you ensure similar or better results in the next federal election?

“Of course, it is more accurate to say it was a combination of Jack’s incredible hopefulness and determination, combined with a series of progressive policy options and a great field of candidates. Continuing that legacy will require a total team effort and a leader that can bring that team together.”

This year’s budget is coming up on March 29. Let’s pretend you were wearing the finance minister’s new shoes, what would your budget 2012 look like? What measures would you take? Why?

“It’s a huge question and one that cannot be answered in this format. The government’s only solution to every problem is to further hamper the government’s ability to do anything for anyone. A robust economy needs a government and a budget that reflects the challenges of today. It’s a question of priorities and this government’s reckless insistence on building prisons for crimes that weren’t there and to buy jets that won’t work only makes the choices more difficult.”

What is the atmosphere like on your campaign? Do you have a morning ritual? How do you spend your downtime on the campaign?

 “Downtime is rare, but that’s when I exercise. If we open up a day or two that means I’m headed home to spend time with my wife and our 19-month-old twins. The mood on the campaign is positive, focused and fun.”

What was your favourite campaign stop? Why?

“St. John’s was a real treat and Montreal is tough to beat for its sheer cool factor. I’m biased towards B.C. and the North. The places and the people have been a real privilege.”

Does your campaign have a theme song?

“Not as such but I’m loving Galaxie right now.”

What book are you reading currently?

“Good to Great, by Jim Collins.”

Talk of a coalition with the Liberal Party has yet to die down. If you were elected NDP leader, would you pursue a coalition with the Liberal Party? Why?

 “I’ve been pretty clear on my efforts to cooperate and create the conditions that ensure the progressive majority in this country gets the progressive government we deserve.”
Original Article
Source: hill times
Author: LAURA RYCKEWAERT

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