According to the elected officials, there is absolutely no calculation based on party self-interest, decisions are simply "what's best for Canadians". Both Dion and Layton appeared today and both rejected polls as influential. Layton went to great pains, suggesting his only focus was getting results for Canadians. The NDP isn't worried about the Greens or Dion, there is no deal with "Mr. Harper", only a concerted effort to do good work for Canada. Dion has no desire for an election, will not reject the budget out of hand and wants to make parliament work. Taken at their word, nobody looks at the polls and any such suggestion is patently false.
The other partner in this dance, the media, frames everything within the lens of partisan consideration. All decisions are a calculation based on creating a scenario that works for that particular parties favor. If you subscribe to the media's line of questioning and commentary, politicians are essentially soulless creatures that only act out of self-interest. Oh sure, there are some philosophical tenets, but they are really pawns in a cyncial game of chess. Every question today had the air of partisanship, rooted in public perception.
So, which is it? Is our system a neverending game of brinksmanship, or are the players primarily interested in the "greater good"? Clearly, the truth lies somewhere in the middle. However, it would be nice if these two diametrically opposed positions would find some common underpinning. Is it possible to ask a question that merely wants an honest discussion of policy, without the suspicions? Just once, wouldn't it be refreshing for a poltician to admit the obvious- we have seen the polls and, in fact, we actually conduct alot of internal polling as well. Shocking! It is pretty funny to hear Stephen Harper say polls are irrelevant to the decision making process, when we all know through access of information that our tax dollars have been used by this government to poll Canadians on issues such as the environment, crime and Afghanistan.
All I want for Christmas, a little less infinite cynicism from the professionals and maybe a small helping of candor from politicians. When is the next irrelevant, whatever poll, that apparently shapes every single decision and dictates the country's course?
8 comments:
It could be possible that brinksmanship and poll reading towards principled stands leads to the greater good.
Interesting that Harper says he doesn't pay attention to polls. My MP is Conservative (former Alliance) and we get "cards" with PM approved message and a questionnaire on a "regular" basis. It claims to be that our MP wants to know how his constituents feel and I ask why is the mailing address Ottawa and not his constituency office.
The matter of the constant polling by our MP was brought up in our local newspaper (I live in rural Ontario) by the writer questioning the cost of this frequent polling for taxpayers. The MP wrote back saying he paid for it personally - ya right.
Harper's bible is the polls and strategy and tactics. We are like men on a chess board and not real people.
'politicians are essentially soulless creatures that only act out of self-interest.'
or have hidden agendas
or have radical ideology
I don't think the media is to blame here. It's this never ending fearmongering, name calling and mudslinging from the politicians, as they fight for power, that has rightfully earned them this reputation.
p.s. Steve, do you seriously think that govt paid polling is a new thing used by the evil Conservatives ?
Even after Adscam, it would be unthinkable for you to assume the Libs did issue polling on the taxpayers dime?
"Steve, do you seriously think that govt paid polling is a new thing used by the evil Conservatives ?"
No, they are just the most recent example. As a matter of fact, I would love for someone to introduce a bill banning the practice.
wilson61
"Steve, do you seriously think that govt paid polling is a new thing used by the evil Conservatives ?"
No, they are just the latest to do so and then deny they are doing so.
They are just the latest to do so, but deny their policies and decisions are effected by them. Hello!! All polls say the environment is a big issue to Canadians and that the Clea Air Act did a face plant out of the gate. So we now see Stephen Harper claiming a new and improved version is on the way. Nope, no developing policy according to the polls there.
For me this would be a non-issue because all governments, regardless of political stripe, use their access to the government coffers to do this kind of thing. However, the Conservatives screamed and cried about this when the Liberals did it and claimed they would do things differently when they got into power.
Of course that was all a load of BS so do not blame us wilson if we decide to point that out. God knows, I dare say you would hesitate to do the same if the roles were reversed.
The other partner in this dance, the media, frames everything within the lens of partisan consideration.
You are right and it's really starting to drive me crazy. Most speak with such certainty that they are reflecting what Canadians are thinking. More often than not, I feel as if they are driving the agenda and in the most simplistic terms. Look at how many times they have been wrong...Dion for example.
Jane Taber and Craig Oliver, strike me as gossip columnists, assigned to the political scene. They seem to pose their questions in a mischievious manner, sometimes with a grin.
I hope 2007 brings with it, reporting on the issues. I also hope to see Dion fight back a bit, as we've seen recently. He may be able to bring a different kind of dialogue, that I hope all Leaders adopt.
"The facts sir, just the facts".
The Clean Air Act is only ONE part the Cons enviro plan. Haven't you noticed the almost daily announcements?
Clean air, clean water, clean soil= environment, not just Kyoto.
wilson, enjoy the holiday. There will be plenty of time to debate your assertions, :).
If you celebrate Christmas, I wish you a Merry one! If not, all the best of the season.
This has been one of the worst years of my life, so let's everyone raise a glass of your fav and cheer to a great 2007!
Post a Comment