ArmyRick
Army.ca Veteran
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Some of our political discussions get "high spirited". I wanted to weigh in on some of my thoughts and lessons learned over the years about politics (and maybe what horse you want to back).
What do I know? I am former caryon eater (infantry) and current farmer (most of you know this). I am just as dumb as the other fence post, but yet I am surprised at how some people can support the politics or political views they do.
So, some of my thoughts
1. Every election, treat all candidates on the roster as though employees applying for a high paying job YOU are paying for. Treat each candidate with a fresh view and clean slate (unless they are an incumbent and have shown you nothing but disappointment). Hear every candidates views, ideas and positions on every political issue. Treat the "hiring" of this candidate as though your company depended on it.
2. LOSE the political affiliations. Blind loyalty is for family, pets and sports teams, not politics. We really should get past the "We have alwasy been Liberal/Conservative/NDP/etc" or "XX Party Forever!". This is really self defeating. Each election and at every level, when you are seeking your new "employee", look at the party they represent (if any) and weigh that in on your decision making. You may find an excellent candidate but representing a party with a terrible platform. You have to decide, but lose the sports club mentality.
3. Discuss Politics. YES. Do the forbidden. Lose the cowardly Canadian attitude in families and amongst friends. It may be uncomfortable and stressful but the more we talk about politics, the more we get past such extreme polarization (in my view). Its like dealing with cancer or a serious illness, the more you pretend somethings not there or not happening, the worst it will get. Then suddenly, one day a politician is making a huge decision that shocks you to the bone. Lets talk politics among family and friends.
4. Hold high expectations of your political representives. They work for US, not the other way around. Hold them accountable for their integrity, transparency and accountability. Provide feedback! Participate in polls, surveys, etc. Send the occassional email to your representive explaing your concerns and where you feel they have got it right.
5. Fire them. If your candidate or your party has let you down, DON'T VOTE for them. But do vote. And no complaints of "no one else to vote for" thats a cheap cop out. And it results in the polticians we don't like or want staying in power. Every election and at every level, I have always seen many choices. Last June, the Ontario election, there were 12 candidates on my MPP voting card representing 10 parties. No excuses, get out and vote. Don't be afraid to vote someone who may very well lose.
6. Treat this country, your province or your municipality like you put everything into building it and desperately need to keep it going. This ties to point #1, don't be afraid to ditch your support for the incumbent or people you have supported in the past. Consider going with a different political stripe, think about whats best for you and your family. I personally have voted Conservatives, NDP, Green Party, Trillium Party, Libertarian Party and independents at both federal and provincial levels.
7. Pay attention to politics. There is plenty of media available to cover political affairs. Whats going on in the houses. Whats going on in the committees. Do some research. Find out whats in the bills be voting on. Don't let yourself be ignorant.
8. When discussing politics, don't make stuff up like lies and rumours to spread political propaganda. That again, is very self defeating. Vote on facts. Get the facts.
9. Don't turn a blind eye to bad political decision making. Don't. If the person you support or the party your backing is dropping the ball, kick them in the ass with an iron boot. They are paid big bucks, make them damn well earn it. If they continue to disappoint you, pull your support fast and hard. And I suggest you let them know. Be strong and stand up for your riding.
Our politicians should work really hard to get our vote, they should work even harder to keep our vote.
What are your thoughts?
What do I know? I am former caryon eater (infantry) and current farmer (most of you know this). I am just as dumb as the other fence post, but yet I am surprised at how some people can support the politics or political views they do.
So, some of my thoughts
1. Every election, treat all candidates on the roster as though employees applying for a high paying job YOU are paying for. Treat each candidate with a fresh view and clean slate (unless they are an incumbent and have shown you nothing but disappointment). Hear every candidates views, ideas and positions on every political issue. Treat the "hiring" of this candidate as though your company depended on it.
2. LOSE the political affiliations. Blind loyalty is for family, pets and sports teams, not politics. We really should get past the "We have alwasy been Liberal/Conservative/NDP/etc" or "XX Party Forever!". This is really self defeating. Each election and at every level, when you are seeking your new "employee", look at the party they represent (if any) and weigh that in on your decision making. You may find an excellent candidate but representing a party with a terrible platform. You have to decide, but lose the sports club mentality.
3. Discuss Politics. YES. Do the forbidden. Lose the cowardly Canadian attitude in families and amongst friends. It may be uncomfortable and stressful but the more we talk about politics, the more we get past such extreme polarization (in my view). Its like dealing with cancer or a serious illness, the more you pretend somethings not there or not happening, the worst it will get. Then suddenly, one day a politician is making a huge decision that shocks you to the bone. Lets talk politics among family and friends.
4. Hold high expectations of your political representives. They work for US, not the other way around. Hold them accountable for their integrity, transparency and accountability. Provide feedback! Participate in polls, surveys, etc. Send the occassional email to your representive explaing your concerns and where you feel they have got it right.
5. Fire them. If your candidate or your party has let you down, DON'T VOTE for them. But do vote. And no complaints of "no one else to vote for" thats a cheap cop out. And it results in the polticians we don't like or want staying in power. Every election and at every level, I have always seen many choices. Last June, the Ontario election, there were 12 candidates on my MPP voting card representing 10 parties. No excuses, get out and vote. Don't be afraid to vote someone who may very well lose.
6. Treat this country, your province or your municipality like you put everything into building it and desperately need to keep it going. This ties to point #1, don't be afraid to ditch your support for the incumbent or people you have supported in the past. Consider going with a different political stripe, think about whats best for you and your family. I personally have voted Conservatives, NDP, Green Party, Trillium Party, Libertarian Party and independents at both federal and provincial levels.
7. Pay attention to politics. There is plenty of media available to cover political affairs. Whats going on in the houses. Whats going on in the committees. Do some research. Find out whats in the bills be voting on. Don't let yourself be ignorant.
8. When discussing politics, don't make stuff up like lies and rumours to spread political propaganda. That again, is very self defeating. Vote on facts. Get the facts.
9. Don't turn a blind eye to bad political decision making. Don't. If the person you support or the party your backing is dropping the ball, kick them in the ass with an iron boot. They are paid big bucks, make them damn well earn it. If they continue to disappoint you, pull your support fast and hard. And I suggest you let them know. Be strong and stand up for your riding.
Our politicians should work really hard to get our vote, they should work even harder to keep our vote.
What are your thoughts?
