What Has Happened To Democracy In Canada?

When Did Parliament Turn Into

A Constant Election Campaign?

It is little wonder that politicians of all stripes make you shake your head and wonder, what in hell have we done in this country in such a short time.

It would seem that when we were at war and as a nation we had a common focus and a common enemy to defeat we were able to come together as a nation and put the good of the whole ahead of everything else.

Now, it seems the only good we clamor for is the good of ourselves and that starts at the top with those we have chosen to 'lead' us. To that end, the primary interest of those in opposition is to get themselves into power by whatever means they deem necessary which usually means criticizing those in power at every possible opportunity. The idea of working together for the good of the whole as opposed to working for the good of the party is simply a long lost ideal which has as much credibility as Santa and the Easter Bunny. Sorry Santa.

It seems as if those in opposition are far more interested in screaming and hollering about the latest misstep of those in power in an attempt to make themselves somehow look better, than they are in actually offering constructive opposition which in the end makes for better governance.

Is It Time From Some Radical Changes?

What I propose here I realize is far too simple to be accepted by those who wish to maintain the status quo and in fact would fundamentally turn the whole system on it's ear. This of course would be very threatening to those who enjoy the power structure as it currently is, however, I think in the end it would make for much better government.

The change involves several alterations, which at first seem quite radical, but after some sober second thought seem to have considerable merit.

The first major shift involves with the doing away with the 'party' system all together. This would mean that from each riding the best candidate could be chosen to represent their riding. No fussing about party loyalty, or voting the way your family has for the past decades, just simply pick the best person for the job, period!

Those elected to Parliament by the people would form the government for the people and collectively would work together to make the best choices for the good of the people as a whole.

Votes would be based on representing the people who sent them to Ottawa, and not be restricted to voting the 'party line', no more whipped votes.

This would do away with the constant 'gottcha' politicians are always practicing now under the current system, as any criticism of government is a criticism of themselves, as they are the government.

It would result in a much more civilized blending of ideals ranging from those with a strong social conscience to those with a more business friendly mindset. Radical 'right' wing views and radical 'left' wing views if they were to form policy, are likely not healthy, however a thoughtful blending of the two, could result in some good governance.

It would further eliminate the built in adversarial system which our governments and courts, and business community seem to rely so heavily upon.

There would be no need for the constant, between election campaigning the current system seems to foster as their political future depends on their performance and ability to participate in good governance rather than in making someone else look bad.

I am sure there is complete opposition to this radical idea, and those opposed have a list a mile long as to why it couldn't work. But I think it would be an improvement on the system we currently have and might even encourage those with the interest of the country in first place rather than their own ambitions to throw their hats into the ring, for the betterment of all.

For surely, those types would not be drawn to the current Blood Sport politics has become and we all are suffering as a result.