Blog 23  Canada Votes. What For?


What's the name of that political party? The NDP?

Oh yes, the New Democratic Party. Incidentally, the party is not that new. It was founded in 1961, when its current leader, Tom Mulcair was about age seven. Its predecessor was  the Cooperative Commonwealth Federation - the CCF.

Now there is a name to capture a political following.
"Cooperative." Yes, that's the Canadian way. Just the opposite of "Competitive," the quintessential American way.

And "Commonwealth," now there is a term worth longing for in these days when the 1% own most of the world's wealth. The word gained currency in England in the 17th century after King Charles I,  executed in 1649, was unable to continue his full duties as a monarch.  From 1649 to 1660 they called Britain a Commonwealth.

And "Federation." From the Latin word,  foedus, - a treaty or an ally - the word might be defined as a treaty or union agreement. We could do with a little more unity in the world in 2015.

Then there's the neo-fascist Conservative Party of Prime Minister Harper (See Blog 8, "Canadians are Using the F-word.)  Personally, Harper is a smooth ideologue whose worst crime historians will probably identify as his 31-year investors' protection treaty with China. It is a treaty that may just change the face of Canada during its term. China's biggest export is, arguably, people. The Chinese, I learned on a recent visit, call westerners "Big Noses". I hope that when they are a  dominant majority in western countries they will treat their visible minority better than the Big Noses have treated some of their own indigenous visible minorities.

I also hope the election does not confirm the view that Canada is a hotbed of bigots and cowards. But that is what "The Harper" is betting on.
Still, in a nominal democracy - government by popular vote - people do get the kind of government they deserve.

So, whom would I vote for ? Undoubtably the Green Party. Now be careful. Don't say, "That a would be a wasted vote. They can't possibly win," because I would have to reply to you personally, 

"Oh, you must be a horse-race voter. You don't have any idea of what the issues are or what the parties represent, or promise. You vote just so that you can have the warm fuzzy feeling of being on the winning side. How pathetic! Did your mother not love you, dear?"

I might add that if I voted for anyone other than the one I perceived to be the best candidate, I would be wasting my vote. And, if I was having a bad day, I might further add, "If you smartened up a bit and voted for the best candidate, too, you might see better governments elected."

Well, back to the law of money next week, with a more temperate tone, I trust.