As a study in human behaviour, it is a fascinating time. Polls said NDP would sweep. Voters said otherwise. Pundits dissected every detail from whether one leader or the other should resign.
If I could hold it all at arms-length, I would be in a political sociology heaven.
But, alas, I am a New Democrat and I am disappointed in the results and have been giving the outcome considerable thought along with many others judging from the numbers of online reports I have read, as well as stories in this very paper.
What concerns me is how being nice and taking the high road as Mr. Dix has been described as doing has been conflated with Jack Layton’s (successful) leadership approach.
While I am pretty certain Mr. Layton was nice, as a politician, he vehemently attacked issues, debated fiercely for the rights of the oppressed, and never missed an opportunity to pointedly address any wrongdoings of his opponents. I don’t want my politicians to be nice. I have a grandmother for that.
I want politicians to speak up and clarify misinformation.
I want politicians to keep their debate of the issues respectful. I want voters to count on politicians for the truth. I know that last one is asking so much these days.
I do think that those in public office, or those aspiring to be in public office, can be assertive on the issues without becoming aggressive and making things personal.
I still believe in change for the better and I still believe the NDP is the right party to lead our province and our country, but enough other citizens did not join me in this belief to make it a reality.
In the meantime, back to sociology. We have a little experiment going on right now. It will last four years.
All of us are potential researchers collecting data on how our vote (or lack thereof) moved us as a province closer to our vision of what is right and good.
After four years, we need to carefully consider how this government held up to our scrutiny and then vote for the party that assertively promises us something different (or not).
My pencil is sharp and ready. I’m watching.
Jacqui Gingras
