Sat 15 Oct 2005
I’m going to talk politics. That’s okay. Leave if you want to.
I’ve recently had several people ask me where I stand on several political issues (and have had to correct several people on what they believed to be the stance of one political ideology when it was really another.) I believe that Politics and Current Events are under represented in our education system. Other than a half credit Civics course (in Ontario, since that’s where I’m from), there is little discussion of law, politics, world issues or controversial topics. This is in part of an attempt to not impose any one ideology on public students (such as anti capital punishment) though in practise our education system tend so lean towards left wing political ideology. For example, public teachers are all unionized, and do (not all intentionally) tend to emphasize the benefits of the union system (a left wing ideology for those not familiar with politics as much). These beliefs and ideologies are passed to the students.
The education system is integral in the development of the population’s future political beliefs. Recently it can be seen that a left wing bias has emerged (I’ll go out on an unsupported limb and state that young people are generally more left wing than older people) I’ve even been a victim to this left wing mind washing. I recently found a web page with a submission I made in elementary school. I seemed to be very supportive of environmental initiatives and social policies. Today I’ve moved away from the unpragmatic altruistic system that doesn’t work and have a more balanced political view in economics and social issues. Take environmental: it’s not that I am against the environment, it’s just that I don’t go out of my way to chain myself to trees to save it. I recycle, I take public transpo and carpool. I try not to waste energy at home and am conscious of my actions. That said, I don’t think these require too much effort on my part. During the recent One Tonne Challenge , I was about a quarter of the goal waste limit, so I did exceptionally well. I still don’t feel that environmental issues are my priority, and hence just don’t go out of my way for them.
Now the details, what lots of people want to really know when they talk to me. Which party am I? Currently, I’m a Grit (Liberal). I’ve previously been a full member of the NDP (New Democratic Party) party, but at heart I identify as Tory (the real type, PC [Progressive Conservative]). Unfortunately the PC party doesn’t exist at the Federal level anymore and the new Conservative party is crap. I used to be NDP because I was naive and after studying the platforms, decided I made a mistake. They just don’t have a feasible plan to run the country (and the Greens have even less of one). So I am a Liberal, but that doesn’t always mean I vote Liberal. Provincially, yes, because my MPP, Michael Gravelle is such a great politician. He is very well liked and represents out region very well. Federally, no. I despise my MP Joe Comuzzi, who recently threw away out region’s cabinet position because he doesn’t believe in fundamental rights. Similarly, I don’t like the region’s second MP, Ken Boshcoff, former Mayor (didn’t like him then either). So, federally I vote NDP because they are closer than the Conservatives and have better candidates than my own Liberal party does.
So if there are several politicians that I don’t like, who do I like? Three names come to mind, all former PC members. First, Joe Clark, always loved him. Such a great political character, and it is very sad that he retired recently. Second, Belinda Stronach, fresh from crossing the floor to her Liberal cabinet position. Her views are perfectly in line with mine and the old PC platform. Third, and probably my favourite, Scott Brison. He’s the youngest Liberal cabinet minister, of Public Works and Government Services Canada, a senior portfolio, a former PC MP who ran for PC leadership, and has a record which is very in line with my beliefs. I believe (and hope) that he will one day be Prime Minister and he will do an excellent job. A role model for young Canadians and a forward thinker.
I like to think of myself as sort of a closet monarchist. Our country has a very unique identity and the monarchy and our political traditions have helped to preserve that. I hear quite often about how people believe that the Governor General and Senate should be abolished because of being appointed. I oppose those suggestions, and believe that people who make those claims really don’t understand the positions that they want to abolish. Most recently we have had a change in the Governor General position from Adrienne Clarkson to Michaëlle Jean. I think Clarkson did an exceptional job at the position. She reinvigorated the position and made it known, even though she took fire over doing such. The position promotes Canadian culture, acts as political ambassador, and conducts lots of our political tradition. Clarkson well earned her pay. If only all of our past Governor Generals good have had such an impact.
I guess I’ll briefly outline my political beliefs (without much explanation for brevity). I support the Charter above all. It’s what makes Canada such a great place to live in. I am pro government subsidized education, pro two tier health care, support the military only for peacekeeping efforts, and not major expansion. I have recently harboured an anti-american sentiment due to trade disputes that the US’s lack of accountability to international law. I am pro euthanasia, abortion, same sex marriage, and capital punishment (yeah, pro). I don’t support censorship, and don’t really believe in publicly funded media. I support paying down the national debt and balancing budgets. I strongly believe in the separation of Church and State.
As you can see, my beliefs jump from left to right wing depending on the topic. Generally, when it comes to rights issues, I am more left wing (because I support rights!) and fiscal issues, I am more right wing (supporting industry over environment, and supporting private over unionized work). I love to discuss any aspects of politics and current events and encourage people to challenge me on any of the issues that I’ve mentioned above or that I haven’t stated a side to (there are just so many issues that I can’t mention them all). Hope to hear from at least a few people! 
Currently Listening to: Fix You - Coldplay
Random Wikipedia Article: Divali
October 20th, 2005 at 4:09 pm
I do agree that politics and world issues are important and interesting, but I don’t think that they should be manditory in any higher of a capacity than they are. They are less critical to a high school student as the traditional core subjects such as math, science and languages. An understanding of grammar is more influential to a high school student’s university success than understanding the conflict between Pakistan and India. Sure, a knowledge of politics is important, but most high school students aren’t even old enough to vote - it isn’t something that should be a priority to them - they should be more concerned with subjects that are more necessary for their current situation.
If students are planning to persue a career, or even an interest in politics or world issues, there ARE courses available for them (I recall taking a class called “World Issues” a few years ago (in Ontario, since that’s where I’m from)). There was a lot of discussion of controversial subjects that you claim aren’t available. We talked about genocide, among others.
I applaud your achievements concerning the one tonne challenge - Rick Mercer would be proud
One final thought - to whom it may concern (somewhat few, I would assume), happy Divali!
October 23rd, 2005 at 11:08 pm
In school History and Geography were mandatory, while World Issues was not. World Issues is alot more applicable in the real world than the others, IMHO. Just because they aren’t old enough to vote doesn’t mean people shouldn’t know. The ignorance that our current system spawns is part of the reason for such low voter turnout in the young demographic. If these topics were taught and discussion incouraged in school, people would be more likely to continue being informed. Grass roots solution to our recent electoral failures. Is it wrong to believe knowing what the governent is planning to do with your tax money is more important than the fact early Canadian Prarie settlers lived in mud huts?
October 24th, 2005 at 8:10 pm
Hey, well for once i think i mostly agree with you. I totally agree that it should be manditory for highschool students to learn about their current political situation(s). It is our responsibility to take part in political activities, and the gov’t’s responsibility to teach us-but they should do so fairly, and without bias. i too was in that “world issues” class with lyle (i think…right?) and the teacher was horribly biased. i recall the teacher asking us for an unbiased report about the cruelties of capital punishment. this struck me as ironic, as i hope you too can understand. i, like you jeff, support capital punishment (if you can’t live by the rules of a civilized society, why should you get the priviliges of it?). I remember that my main pleasure in that class was proving the teacher wrong or contradictory, or just making him look like an idiot in any fashion. These courses that are provided basically just feed into the propaganda that the gov’t is feeding us.
oh, and by the way, if the charter is supposed to represent everyone equally and protect the rights of all, then why is it done so while recognizing the “supremacy of God”. Although the charter is nice in concept and has done amazing things to help bring forward equality, it has kind of screwed itself. i mean, now if anyone has any issues with equality, then they are shut up because they fail to accept the dominant discoure’s concept of equality (found in the charter). the charter is clearly something set up by white, upperclass, christian, able-bodied men that are trying their damndest not to oppress anybody even though they were socialized to do so. The fact that the Charter recognizing the “supremacy of God” supports this.
but other than my little bone-to-pick with the comment about you supporting the charter wholeheartedly, i agree with what you said.
October 24th, 2005 at 8:30 pm
I agree that that line should be removed in the charter as well. I reject the assertion that the Charter was written with the pretenses you imply. John Peters Humphrey is white (nothing is wrong with white people!), but I believe he had good intentions. Despite it, that line does not undermine the Charter at all. No court would rule that.
December 23rd, 2005 at 9:04 am
I wasn’t too impressed with the seemingly all of Northwestern Ontario having such a bigoted attitude towards minorities either.
December 23rd, 2005 at 3:43 pm
Mr, Leschinski (AKA Picard102),
It is true that NWO’s population, being predominately caucasian has a predisposition to minorities, sust as Natives. Lyle can vouch for that, being West Indian.
For me, currently living in Southern Ontario, it is a very different atmosphere. I’ve had roommates from Saudi Arabia, Pakistan, and Indonesia. I have a way better overview of other cultures from my upbringing in TBay. NWO does have a problem, but I don’t think it’s going to change any time soon.
Thanks for dropping by, and good luck in your search for “Ken Boshcoff” + “Rick Mercer”!