On oversimplification
One could hardly design a more stark contrast between the complex realities of politics and the media's tendency to portray them in appallingly simplified terms than Althia Raj's report on…
NDP
New column day
Here, with my take on the factors NDP members should take into account in evaluating Tom Mulcair's leadership.For further reading...- I've written numerous previous posts on the future of Mulcair…
On timing
Following up on the subject of the federal NDP's leadership, I'll note that the Edmonton convention won't figure to be the only one before the next federal election - and…
On organization
Given some of the odd twists and turns in Paul Wells' latest piece on Tom Mulcair's future, I'm hesitant to give too much credence to his unnamed sources. But to…
On relativity
Since we're seeing another wave of hysteria about Tom Mulcair's support in the general public as the NDP's convention approaches, let's check in with the main poll being cited for…
On strategic choices
Christopher Kam's series of posts on political parties' strategy surrounding electoral reform is definitely worth a read. But I'll stand by the view that there's another alternative interpretation of the…
Rabble Poll On NDP Leader Thomas Mulcair’s Leadership
This is the second loss for the NDP when leading out of the gate. In both cases the professional corporate spinners such as Hill and Knowlton’s Brad Lavigne and of…
NDP Resolution? Shave the Beard
On January 1st, many greet the New Year armed with a resolution meant to improve themselves. As people are creatures of habit they often fail, but there is surely merit in recognizing where…
On rebuilding steps
I've posted before about the NDP's strong progressive stance since the October election - which looks to be a positive move in terms of principles and politics alike. But there's…
On voting from experience
If I have any concern with Nathan Cullen's suggestion that Canada hold a referendum on electoral reform only after seeing a different system in action, it's that it may concede…
New column day
Here, expanding on these posts as to what might come next as Canada's political parties map out their strategies on electoral reform.For further reading...- Chantal Hebert wonders whether Justin Trudeau…
Questions for the Canadian left
Harper is gone, but (as a friend only quarter-jokingly said) we got the second worst outcome sold as the best, so now what? That’s the 10 second version of this…
On earned media
Ideally, a new Parliament should have the opportunity to talk about issues of far more direct significance and practical value than keeping even offensive speech such as Donald Trump's out…
New Democrats search for substance.
They have tried it provincially in Ontario and then they did it again federally. It does not work. Our New Democratic Party cannot change its spots just at election time.…
Movements and moments
Let's continue this line of thought about the federal NDP's most recent election campaign with my slight twist on one of the more familiar questions which has faced the party…
On purposes
There are plenty of questions which the NDP is rightly asking in the wake of this fall's federal election results. But Susan Delacourt is uncharacteristically far off base in her…
On balancing acts
For those wondering, I'm indeed following up on these posts and working my way through some of the factors in the NDP's federal election result. (For more on the subject,…
They want the show and substance too.
“My candle burns at both ends; it will not last the night; but ah, my foes, and oh, my friends – it gives a lovely light!” Edna St. Vincent Millay…
Wednesday Morning Links
Miscellaneous material for your mid-week reading.- David Ball talks to Joseph Stiglitz about inequality and its causes - including the spread of corporate control through trade agreements:What would you say…
Tuesday Morning Links
This and that for your Tuesday reading.- David Olive talks to Robert Reich about his work fighting inequality:There are certain irrefutable facts besides water always running downhill. There is no…