We Have The Keys - Will We Use Them?

Newspapers have stopped printing anonymous and nom de plume letters many years ago and it certainly didn't slow down correspondence. Writing under cover is counterproductive to the freedom of speech and it encourages irresponsibility, as we can see in some of the postings on this blog. People who're too chicken to stand up and say what they have on their minds have nothing. Ed Deak, Big Lake, BC.

Somehow we need to get similar minded political parties like the NDP, CAP and Greens to merge and run on the the ballot as "none of the above". They'd win by a landslide.

I live in a society where I am held accountable for my actions .This is as it should be and when I fly off the handle, attack or otherwise foul some one or some agreed upon rule I pay the penalty for my behaviour, again this is as it should be.

To me there are at least two factors at play here.

One is the issue of unregistered posters

The other is the content of the post, whether by an unregistered poster or registered poster.

Content counts.

This particular thread has importance to the greatest number of respondees, so far.

Off topic dismissive posts serve only as distractions to the greater issue which is how to mobilise the great discontent Canadians have in the present political system and is evident by low voter turnout.

It is unrealistic at the juncture to expect complete change.

It is not however unrealistic to take actions which will give a voice to those now left out of the political process.

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"The cost to the good people for their indifference to their public affairs is to be ruled by evil men." - Plato
I don't make jokes. I just watch the governmen

"People who're too chicken to stand up and say what they have on their minds have nothing."

Well said Ed Deak in Big Lake B.C. btw: I read the comments guidelines and it said to debate ideas not attack the person. Interesting. Look, all the best to you. Really. All I'm saying is that I don't think the path you are on will lead to any substantive change. It may be fun doing the duplicitous teenager thing. Talking on the internet on your pc windows ap, about how you are against "American technology", big banks etc etc. I understand the appeal - but the Liberal party thrives on this kind of political amateur hour. Even the established parties (yes I know they were corrupt once in history so we need a new one right) are way outclassed by the Liberal/Earnscliffe spin machine.

btw: you can go on-line anytime and write a letter to the ed. (to the Post, Globe or any local paper) under a made up name. You just have to write something worth printing. It isn't who you are but what you say that matters.

D Claude-Fortiere
Hull, QC

In my capacity as a mobile service to the restaurant trade I get to meet people from all walks of life. I notice a common thread with these people, there is an undercurrent of discontent waiting to be tapped.
The challenge I see is to speak to the common denominators of these people and the factors that affect them on a daily basis.
That will be the rallying call
Suggestions have already been made on this thread and action IS being taken!
To those of you whoread these pages what is it you can do?
I have made my declaration and I continue to work behind the scenes.

To do nothing is also an action and that decision contributes to the negative state of affairs
Diogenes

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"The cost to the good people for their indifference to their public affairs is to be ruled by evil men." - Plato
I don't make jokes. I just watch the governmen

Back four or five post someone suggested that the NDP , Green and CAP should come together.. I say not, maybe the Green and CAP could make a fit, they together have the potential of creating a grass roots political organization. But if you toss the NDP into the mix you drag along that Buzz Hargrove union greed and I think any new party has to have a balance and should not be held ransom by the Labor movement , business community or socially off balance to belabor the image of a welfare state.

It is time to face the facts, old political parties are coming to their end, unions are getting weaker, and religious organization are shutting down.. Churches are folding up , because the demographics is changing , the X generation who were the forgotten youth are ignoring all of the mentioned and they are now looking for a political home, but they are not interested in the old sour rotten bunch, this is where Green and Cap will find their market.

We need a governing body that can not only talk about cleaning up the environment , but work towards it and fast… what wrong with looking seriously at an auto industry where all vehicles are powered by a less destructive energy.? Canada should be taking the led and instead of yakking about it , that the high road and move. We can put a man on the moon, but we haven’t the brain power to manufacture a vehicle that does not burn oil base fuels.. We all know better… we just need a governing party who has the will to get it done.

The present political parties have regionalized Canada, West, Central, Northern and Eastern and use this splitting up to their advantage, but because citizens of Quebec have elected their voice in Ottawa, they are called separatist, well at least they do have a voice . It is time Canadians find a new voice.

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Good government is not a party government

As a member of the Progressive Canadian Party (the party of moderate Conservatism) I believe that any attempt to combine parties should consider us. However, there are problems with achieving such a union. As I understand it CAP is hampered by debt and the leader of the Green Party feels it can be successful by going it alone by drawing on the expertise of the political "right".

It seems to me that the new elections laws coupled with a media fixated on the old parties are hampering the development of new alternatives no matter how much the public might want them. Most people have been so turned off by partisan politics that it is difficult to get them involved in either developing an/those alternative/s or helping to fund them which is basically the only means through which to get a message out in a country the size of Canada.

"As I understand it CAP is hampered by debt" where do you understand this from, what is the debt you are referring to and who/what is your source? True we didn't get money from the feds because of the new calculation methods, and we do depend on people's donations, not corporate or union, but that is not really a negative, any success we have will be based on the wants, needs and vision of the people not based on corporate desires.

The One Big Party didn't fly. Alot of effort time and money was expended to try to make that work. We would be going down the same path if we tried it again, and as I believe CAP has the best policies, and is the most agressive in standing for Canadians, not hampered by any influence to be quiet, why would CAP want to become influenced by another party(especially if it is influenced by corporations or unions)?

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If I stand for my country today...will my country be here to stand for me tomorrow?

As with "Diogenes" there are practical reasons why I continue to post anonomously on this web-site. If there were no anonynimity perhaps mine and other similar voices could not be heard at all. This has much to do with my own personal experience of reprisals engineered by those in positions of power and influence, and my wish, rightly or wrongly, to protect my vulnerable family from such reprisals. Hopefully that will change soon.

It is very refreshing to read a discussion on how change could be affected in Canada. We expend a lot effort in describing what is wrong here, propose many great ideas on how these problems could be fixed, but have yet to find the "key" as Catherine so aptly describes it, to implement these badly needed changes.

I cannot see how a parliamentary government could function in Canada or elsewhere without some sort of party system. I am often condemed by the right as a populist, and perhaps I have trends in that direction, but in order to achieve results it will be necessary to form a government or influencing block of like minded individuals, who will speak, think and vote and together on important issues. There isn't any other way.

Based on my considered evaluation of all the options, the Canadian Action Party definitely has the best ideas and policies to end the madness we are experiencing now. If it were a simple choice, they would certainly be mine. If they have some debt so do the Liberals and particularly the Tories. That doesn't impact the value of their ideas.

But it's not that simple. In order to replace an establishment that has held power virtually since there was a Canada, a broad coalition will be needed. We should concentrate on the positives that all progressive parties and groups may bring to the table, and think less of the negatives. We all have those.

For example, labour, if it could ever get its act together again and recapture the support of its own membership, could offer formidable organizing skills and abilities, not to mention financial muscle. Students are a proven force in the area of political activism. The Progressive Party of Canada also has good ideas and could attract some people of conservative persuasion to a coalition for real change. And what about the thousands who fill the streets at the very mention of words George Bush? Imagine what a catalyst they might be. We need all these and more. They are all very different. Bringing and holding them together would be a mighty challenge. Some of them have internal problems to work out first. But it can be done, and in the fullness of time there is hope that it may be done.

This discussion only scratched the surfaced and defined the parameters. Let's have many many more like this. That's what I can moving in the right direction.

One way would be to set up a national boycott of the print media, cutting into their bottom line might wake them up..

YES! Hit them where it hurts. Also, avoid watching tv networks such as Global. Word of mouth is still a powerful tool as well. Coffee shops where friends partake in healthy debate are great places to strike up conversations about Canadian government. So many of us are so indifferent to our own government, thinking everything is fine. Compared to what's happening in the US, I suppose we are better off. But, we should never take that for granted. We should be looking at examples like the US government administration, and working in a completely different direction. We should be worried about complacency and getting sucked into the distraction matrix. Forces are working hard to make sure our conversations revolve around Britney Spears' baby, the latest gadgets available at Future Shop, reality shows etc. Avoid this and focus on healthy debate, such as is found in this forum. It's very refreshing for the old brain. Please do what you can to prevent our country from becoming dumbed down like so many of our US neighbours have. And I say that with the greatest respect for those US citizens who are chomping at the bit for change in their own country. Keep you chins up!

One way would be to set up a national boycott of the print media, cutting into their bottom line might wake them up .......SORRY, the above post in agreement with this statement is mine. I forgot to log in.... D

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"I think we agree, the past is over." Appointed POTUS, George W. Bush

This is the major problem. Each party hangs on to its own turf unwilling to make the necessary compromises to create a broader coalition of Canadians. Until people are willing to reach out instead of circling the wagons we will not have a viable alternative to the status quo.

When it come to running a country out side the party system it is possible. The system of Government in the North West Territories is based on consensus. I mentioned it before , every single regional municipal government is a consensus governing body. Switzerland is consensus government with a mix of parties and independents. So the template has been cast.

What I find so depressing about the Green Party is the way their candidates present themselves on the door. I think it was in the last election, one of their candidates came to the door dressed in blue jeans and a bright green shirt, my first impression is how serious id this guy, here he is looking like the jolly green giant asking for my vote.

Nothing wrong with a candidate in a nice pair of blue jeans , nice shirt and sports coat, toting the Green Party message. Lets face it , if your a one issue party leaving the gate, your dead.

Here is what I would like: The Canadian Action Party and the Green Party to join, Green Party Leader Mr. Harris, David Orchard get involved with Connie and Catherine, hit the road under a new name : The Green Canadian Progressive Party. How does that grap you??

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Good government is not a party government

>> Until people are willing to reach out instead of circling the wagons we will not have a viable alternative to the status quo.<< I believe you list what has become Canadas problem. We rely on "Parties" not party of individuals. As Wayne Coady posted "The system of Government in the North West Territories is based on consensus." I would like to see that system worked upon. The individual elected has to be the one responsible.

to, Anonymous on Tuesday, October 04 2005 @ 11:42 AM MDT 
 
The following is given as rebuttal and criticism from within the bounds of critical argument 
Although ones reasons for anonymity me be valid and jus (read, right) a registered nom de plumes allow the reader-ship a identifiable marker writing style alone can not. 
I am in favour of being able to identify the writer as apposed to identifying the style(s) of he various posters presenting themselves as ‘anonymous poster.’ However, the administrators see fit to operate in the fashion they do. 
Next paragraph, 
I stating, “We expend a lot effort in describing what is wrong here,…” there is an assumption ‘we’ cognise (know) what is wrong when in actuality what is being described are symptoms and not cause. 
For example what follows is cause: 
<a href="http://www.sntp.net/education/leipzig_connection_6.htm">http://www.sntp.net/education/leipzig_connection_6.htm</a> 
The real motivation behind the General Education Board, however, was perhaps best expressed in the Board's Occasional Letter No. 1, written by Gates: 
In our dreams, we have limitless resources and the people yield themselves with perfect docility to our molding bands. The present education conventions fade from their minds, and unhampered by tradition, we work our own good will upon a grateful and responsive rural folk. We shall not try to make these people or any of their children into philosophers or men of learning, or men of science. We have not to raise up from among them authors, editors, poets or men of letters. We shall not search for embryo great artists, painters, musicians nor lawyers, doctors, preachers, politicians, statesmen, of whom we have an ample supply. 
The task we set before ourselves is very simple as well as a very beautiful one, to train these people as we find them to a perfectly ideal life just where they are. So we will organize our children and teach them to do in a perfect way the things their fathers and mothers are doing in an imperfect way, in the homes, in the shops and on the farm. 
 
The system we live under was not brought into being through consensus of any “We the people…” 
It was brought into being by the upper-classes of the late Nineteenth and early Twentieth centuries. 
From those times to the present everything we know was programmed for our consumption and damned few questioned it while less paid heed to the questioners. 
<a href="http://www.sntp.net/education/leipzig_connection.htm">http://www.sntp.net/education/leipzig_connection.htm</a> 
Chapter 10. A New Social Order - Heirs of Wundtian educational psychology aim to influence the social attitudes, ideals and behavior of the coming generations, in an attempt to eradicate capitalism, agreement with competition, and "exaltation of the profit motive". Education's role further involves changing ideas on a mass level to bring about a new social order. Attacks on Maria Montessori's emphasis on individuality and personal attainment. The direction of US education directed by the progressive movement through control of textbooks and educational testing. General Education Board continues to fund Teacher's College, as well as the Progressive Education Association, the National Education Association (NEA), and others to the tune of $324 million. Despite the billions of dollars foundations and now the federal government also pour into education, the situation with education continues to worsen. What's wrong with this picture? 
<a href="http://www.sntp.net/education/leipzig_connection_10.htm">http://www.sntp.net/education/leipzig_connection_10.htm</a> 
Dewey's disciples Harold Rugg, George S. Counts, and William H. Kilpatrick provide good examples of where Wundtian psychology was taking the teachers of our teachers.' 
In the words of Rugg: 
... through the schools of the world we shall disseminate a new conception of government one that will embrace all of the collective activities of men; one that will postulate the need for scientific control and operation of economic activities in the interests of all people. 
Rugg proposed that this could be accomplished in three ways: 
First and foremost, the development of a new philosophy of life and education which will be fully appropriate to the new social order; 
Second, the building of an adequate plan for the production of a new race of educational workers; Third, the making of new activities and materials for the curriculum. 
Counts went further, proposing that the schools themselves build that new social order: 
Historic capitalism, with its deification of the principle of selfishness, its reliance upon the forces of competition, its placing of property above human rights, and its exaltation of the profit motive, will either have to be displaced altogether, or so radically changed in form and spirit that its identity will be completely lost ... That the teachers should deliberately reach for power and then make the most of their conquest is my firm conviction. To the extent that they are permitted to fashion the curriculum and procedures of the school they will definitely and positively influence the social attitudes, ideals and behavior of the coming generation. 
Although Kilpatrick's views were similar, he is mentioned here not so much because of his advocacy of Marxism or the new psychology in education but because, in 1914, he published a vitriolic attack on the teaching methods of Maria Montessori. He argued, that Dr. Montessori's "emphasis on individuality precluded the social interaction stressed in American progressive theories": 
He complained further that the teaching materials were not stimulating; that children learned to read, write and figure too early; and that any good elements in the method were already contained in Dr. Dewey's theories, which went beyond those of Dr. Montessori. Dr. Kilpatrick's book had such impact that by 1918 the Montessori method was seldom mentioned in the United States, although it flourished elsewhere. 
The result of Kilpatrick's diatribe was the suppression of the Montessori method in American education for the next 50 years. 
My comments~ 
There is more and you now have an address to locate and study, and understand, for yourselves who created the cause and the symptoms. 
Hegelian Dialectics = Problem . Reaction. Solution. 
Response to the third paragraph. 
 
I must challenge the last sentence. “There isn't any other way.” 
Yes there is! 
One only needs to reframe the believed metaphor. The ‘way’ if you will, needs to be chunked down. 
Allow me to illustrate with the riddle “How do you eat an elephant?” 
To which the response is, “One bite at a time!” 
By framing the task in terms of nation-wide reformation or, if you will, change –the immensity of the problem is all but overwhelming! Further, more it is daunting! 
I will tackle the balance of anonymous’ post, thusly 
Build “a broad coalition” then, and for gods sake get out of joinder with the present system 
 
--- "The cost to the good people for their indifference to their public affairs is to be ruled by evil men." - Plato 
I don't make jokes. I just watch the governmen