Wednesday, June 08, 2011

Sink Or Swim

I'm not worried about the per vote subsidy being axed, primarily because it demands the Liberals sink or swim based on merit. The former system worked in many regards- the Conservatives clearly politically motivated rather than deep ideological desire- but the new reality is clear and "fair" in a basic sense. The Conservatives have allowed a phase out process that doesn't begin until next year, meaning an adjustment period is available. How the Liberals ultimately fare will be entirely our own doing, so beyond the changes, there is now an inherent mechanism that rewards the resonators, punishes ineffective and inapplicable messengers.

If Liberals are sitting here in four years "decimated" by the political fundraising changes, then I'm not blaming Harper, I'm looking in the mirror. Let's not forget, we still have a 75% credit for small donations, hardly a herculean commitment required to assist a political entity. If Liberals can't motivate Canadians to "give" within this generous tax credit system, then we're an utter failure and frankly we deserve to die. It's a pretty simple equation, motivate people with your ideas and vision, the future is bright, continue being a paleozoic entity with no real world applications and you are literally bankrupt. Let's forget about the Conservatives, what is wrong with that proposition, what is unfair about it, is it not exactly what Liberals need?

The new rules will force a grassroots revival, it is now the ONLY path available to the Liberals. This undertaking is not an impossible task, or a "handicapped" reality, it's pure democracy and there is no reason we can't thrive with the right message. Liberals are no longer entitled to anything, we have to earn every penny, Canadians must say, I like what you stand for and I'm prepared to pitch in for the CAUSE. If Liberals are sitting here in four years broke and generating little enthusiasm, then it really is a legitimate question to ask if we are no longer relevant to Canadian politics. Fundraising is now a barometer, there will be a direct co-relation between the coffers and conviction. I'm now fine with this new situation, because it's all about self determination, we have to appeal, no comfort blankets exist.

Liberals control their own destiny on the fundraising front. This whole issue now revolves around our performance, there is NO reason we can't thrive, and if we don't I won't be blaming the Conservatives. Bottom line.

10 comments:

A Eliz. said...

my father-in-law and wife have the OAS CPP and a mall pension but at income tax time they pay no income tax. If they contribute..they will get no refund.

ij said...

All good and reasonable, but this does not take away from the fact that what the Conservatives are ultimately after is a one-party system without any opposition, or a nominal one without any clout and with what is left of democratic institutions reduced to meaningless shells. Read Tom Flanagan.

The Rat said...

"but at income tax time they pay no income tax. If they contribute..they will get no refund. "

So? Do they believe in the Liberal cause or not? I'd be more than happy to get rid of the tax credit, too. You shouldn't get a benefit for supporting your own political agenda.

weeble said...

Although I think that the per-vote subsidy encourages people who support a particular political party to vote, knowing that they are assisting their party.
However, knowing that if you are a Liberal, or NDP (Green etc) that they will not continue to exist if we do not start to support them.
This might truly revive the party and the Cons may find that this was a big mistake, changes complacency into activity.

marie said...

Totally agree Rat!! Get rid of that refund credit as well. No &5% refund for any political donation.

Dame said...

I am afraid this all will lead to reintroducing the Corporate and other donations ...

sassy said...

Dame,

I sure hope ^NOT.

sharonapple88 said...

So? Do they believe in the Liberal cause or not? I'd be more than happy to get rid of the tax credit, too. You shouldn't get a benefit for supporting your own political agenda.

People who aren't paying income tax either have a good accountant, or they're making under $10,000 a year. I'm going to bet that AELiz's father-in-law doesn't have an amazing accountant.

As for cutting the tax credit, they don't have tax deductions for political donations in the States, and I'm not sure this is a good thing. Most political donations appear to be from the rich ("A poll of 1,100 individuals, each of whom contributed $200 or more in the 1996 election reveals, for example, that 81% possessed a family income of $100,000 or more and that 46% in excess of $250,000. By contrast in that year median family was $42,300.") Even with Obama's campaign touting small donors, he raised most of his money via big donoations.

Fundraising...

The party did well over the election. They have to keep these people involved with regular updates and requests. The Democrats appear to do something similar in The States (I don't know how, but I got on their mailing list.)

Anothe thing they should try is linking a donation call with a specific project as Avaaz did when it called for donations for newspaper ads during the 2008 election. Get upcoming candidates to write to the party at large for donations. Give people a reason to open their wallets, and they will.

Dame said...

Well before we ask for money ..we have to firm up our agendas our ways our Vision not necessarily brand new things.. i am constantly seeing For New Everything... and I don't know if it is so new how a liberals stand over things What new the conservatives are offering??? or god's sake the NDP???


Every other parties shifting, inching TO THE CENTER and all the wise guys telling us we don't need a centrist party...??? Balderdash!!

Dame said...

and for Sassy.. well I was hoping more than that... and see where we are???
It would be just fitting for the cons. "ideology' They will first just rise the limit of donations.. so the rich can talk.