Following the US political conventions and the announcement of Canada's fall election, it seemed that the conservative factions in both countries were on an unfortunate upswing. Then, well, Palin spoke, McCain spoke, Harper spoke, the economy began its collapse... Now the Obama/Biden ticket is decidely (at least for now) ahead in the polls and Harper's grabbed-at majority win has all but disappeared. And possibly with a bit more time Dion might even be able to deliver a Liberal minority win.
I truly hope that Harper's mean-spirited agenda is defeated. And that Obama wins and leads the US towards a kinder, gentler and more unifying domestic and international approach.
Some time ago, I realized how important the following principles are to me, no matter what. Honesty, integrity, fairness, compassion and what can simply be called 'niceness'. When looking for a new job in Toronto, my mission was to do meaningful work with nice people. Luckily I found exactly that at Toronto Public Library.
I've also seen many signs of others looking for the positive in life and in each other. A Toronto businessman who held a "Thanks for being Nice" party for his colleagues and suppliers. The psychologist in Colorado who studies the states, symptoms and contributors to happiness as opposed to depression. Many people who leave or eschew prosperous private positions to work in non-profit organizations. Numerous young people who haven't yet lost their desire to make a difference in the world versus striving just for monetary advancement. And of course all those who have always been advocating devoted, peaceful, compassionate committment to the good of all in many, many walks life.
Before this double-barrelled election year, I hadn't fully comprehended what a significant philosophical difference exists between today's conservative and liberal factions. To hear the aggressive, negative, untrue and personal attacks launched by the Palins, McCains and Harpers of this time is not just offputting, it's shocking. What truly puzzles me is how so many can align themselves with this type of thinking and action.
I'm also perplexed about why political parties exist with the goal of winning the right to govern when they don't believe in government. In both countries right now the governing parties espouse de-regulation, privatization, tax cuts for the wealthy, corporate favouritism, minimal environmental protection, declining health care and educational standards and infrastructure, as well as questionable social policies such as the right to own (and thus use) guns, the expansion of prisons and imprisonment, attacks on the arts and on it goes.
Jane Jacobs, in her 2004 Dark Age Ahead, described the two different types of societal influencers as 'traders,' who champion markets, and 'guardians' who look out for universal wellbeing. While she claimed that a balance of both is essential for a healthy society, she was leery of 'traders' taking over the governing role of the 'guardians'. 1
That's my feeling as well - I will sleep much better if well-meaning, compassionate, open-minded, trust-worthy guardians are in government in both the US and Canada. Just look where the traders have led us.
1. As cited by Thomas Axworthy in Restore political trust with vote for guardians of public interest, Toronto Star, Saturday, October 11
2 comments:
I too have been bothered this past month or so by what Im hearing from the conservative right in both Canada and the US. I'm troubled too because my kids are trying to get involved and to understand what's going on in Canada's and the US's elections. Even they don't like what they're hearing. These so called grown ups are not leaving a very good impression.
It's scary isn't it? Has it always been this way? The thing is, if you build a foundation on fear, it crumbles as fear never lasts....love is the only sane and rational option.
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