87 replies to this topic

[lanforod]

Well if you don't like our democracy you would hate the American one. If you are an independent, i.e. not a registered Democrat or Republican, you can't even vote in the primary elections. In the general election you have to select either a Democratic or Republican ballot and that is who you get to vote for.

Since when do you have to chose Democratic or Republican? You're free to choose Libertarian, Green, or any other number of other parties. Not every ballot has other parties than the main two, but most do. About 1% of Americans who voted, voted Libertarian in the 2012 Presidential election. Sure its a very distant third place, but it IS an option.

[Holden West]

We interrupt the world's most boring Grade 11 Socials class to bring you actual news:

 

B.C. NDP hopefuls try to stand out in spiritless leadership race

JUSTINE HUNTER

VICTORIA — The Globe and Mail

Published

 

Monday, Apr. 07 2014, 8:00 AM EDT

 

Horgan says his party needs to reach out to those private-sector union workers who felt ignored by the NDP under Mr. Dix. That task has never been harder. In the months after the election, Ms. Clark made huge inroads with the trade unions, inviting senior leaders to sit down in her cabinet offices to work together on job creation. The NDP, long the party of organized labour, was outmanoeuvred in the campaign, and continues to lose ground to Ms. Clark.

 

[bluefox]

We interrupt the world's most boring Grade 11 Socials class to bring you actual news:

 

B.C. NDP hopefuls try to stand out in spiritless leadership race

JUSTINE HUNTER

VICTORIA — The Globe and Mail

Published

 

Monday, Apr. 07 2014, 8:00 AM EDT

 

Maybe it would be a little more spirited if the media gave the race some airtime.

[Mike K.]

I feel sorry for Ms. Hunter and other reporters. Covering the NDP's latest strategies must be as exciting as re-indexing library books.

[eseedhouse]

You can include any political party, government agency or union shop in that statement

 

No you can't, actually.  I was presedent of the Library worker's union CUPE Local 410 for many years and if anything it was democratic to a fault.  I was moderately active in the union movement and never ever was given an "order" by anyone other than the union members at the meetings.  Nor did I ever get to give orders to anyone, except as a member voting for or against motions.

 

My first job at the Library was as a supervisor, and that made me a dictator of a group of people.  I tried to be a benevolent dictator, but dictator I was, nevertheless, at least while they were at work.  And I took orders from above and passed them on whether I agreed with the orders or not.

 

Political parties, at least the one I have experience with, are perhaps a little more top down, but still decisions at the riding level have to be approved by the riding members and the elected executive holds only delegated authority from the members.  

 

I've been "fired" more times as a "union boss" then I have as an employee.  As a matter of fact I have a perfect election record.  Every time someone has stood against me for any elected office, union or party, I have lost.

 

You obviously know little about how unions are run.  In Canada, and in every province thereof, there are laws requring that unions be run democratically.  There are no such laws about businesses.

Edited by eseedhouse, 07 April 2014 - 05:44 PM.

[lanforod]

^ Unions can be compared to the Neighbourhood Associations in many ways... sure, in essence, democratic. In reality, only the really interested people show up and vote, and stick around.

[rjag]

Ok Eseed, if that's what you believe, go ahead....I have no need nor desire to share with you my experiences regarding unions...you have made your socialist/collectivist/anti-business-private sector position quite clear....its a free country with democratically elected governments who have created those laws that protect your right to have an opinion.....

[rjag]

And it's a 1 horse race

[AllseeingEye]

Interesting, surprising. That said I had heard it said in the past from a spy within the NDP caucus that Farnworth was never really terribly interested in the leadership role to begin with. Too bad, as he is one of the very few who would've actually induced me to consider voting NDP. Horgan admittedly I have less use for as on a personal note the family was trying to deal with him on a medical matter involving a family member. We could never get beyond his minion/assistant and he seemed not at all interested in engaging with the Ministry of Health on our behalf. As a consequence I am frankly tempted to say "typical politician". I wonder who then if anyone will step up to challenge Horgan? Who remains a viable, realistic candidate to assume leadership of that party?

[eseedhouse]

Ok Eseed, if that's what you believe, go ahead....I have no need nor desire to share with you my experiences regarding unions...you have made your socialist/collectivist/anti-business-private sector position quite clear....its a free country with democratically elected governments who have created those laws that protect your right to have an opinion.....

So all you have left is name calling eh?  I suppose that might persuade some.  For the record your ranting invective about me is entirely wrong as a matter of observable fact but, hey, it's a free world.

[eseedhouse]

^ Unions can be compared to the Neighbourhood Associations in many ways... sure, in essence, democratic. In reality, only the really interested people show up and vote, and stick around.

 

Well the same is true of Provincial and Federal votes, and even truer about Municipal ones.  As a matter of fact the turnout to meetings during the 2007/8 strike/lockout was well over 75 percent of our members, and they were giving up their paycheques to be there.

[rjag]

So all you have left is name calling eh?  I suppose that might persuade some.  For the record your ranting invective about me is entirely wrong as a matter of observable fact but, hey, it's a free world.

 

 

Excellent retort! You seem to have a habit of inviting abrasive responses.....simple suggestion, this is a forum where ideas and opinions are shared. In this thread its political so things will get heated and barbs will be thrown. If you feel its personal, send me a private note and we can chat it out....I have no need nor desire to go after you personally....however if you throw a zinger, expect one right back at ya! That's how it works.

 

Now how about that 1 horse race! Do ya think Horgan has the fire to go after the top job and unseat the Libs?

[Holden West]

The NDP are right back where they were when Kwan and McPhail were singlehandedly keeping the ship afloat. Forget about the next election, the next few years will have to be spent soul searching and developing a consistent and sensible platform. And some new blood.

[Bingo]

 

Now how about that 1 horse race! Do ya think Horgan has the fire to go after the top job and unseat the Libs?

 

I thought Horgan was the right choice last time they had a leadership race, but I think it's too late for anybody, now that the party fluffed the last election and are in damage control mode.

[lanforod]

Most governments tend to implode after some time, people will want a change. Not sure if 4 years will be enough time for that to happen, i hope not.

[VicHockeyFan]

The BC Conservative party just elected a professional bear and elk hunter as their leader.  Come on, is that the best they can do?  I mean, I have no issues with his occupation, but surely thousands of BC residents do.  Seems like a bad idea.

[LJ]

The BC Conservative party just elected a professional bear and elk hunter as their leader.  Come on, is that the best they can do?  I mean, I have no issues with his occupation, but surely thousands of BC residents do.  Seems like a bad idea.

That should guarantee them last place/no show in every election.

[Baro]

BC conservative party is always going to be more fringe than even the greens unless they do a major major image overhaul, but instead they seem to be doubling down with this new leader.

[Mike K.]

The BC Liberals are conservative enough. I'm not sure why they even call themselves liberals, they should just assume the conservative title and be done with it.

[lanforod]

^ they aren't really socially conservative though, just fiscal.