I appreciate Colin Mayes’s candor in “Mayes concerned about perception over scandals.” (March 11.
He is clearly responding as an apologist for the Conservative Party. However, the image problem for the Conservative Party has more substance than he admits to.
I agree that Canadians care about, “jobs, the economy and health care,” but question whether the Conservative Party actually does.
Maybe in the short-term while an election is looming even as law and order, and militarization budgets receive greater spending priority.
The public is seduced by lower taxes only to shift the burden of a growing public debt onto our children and grandchildren as financial institutions and large corporations wallow in the government’s largesse.
In the meantime, Canada’s democratic institutions, reputation for peacekeeping and commitments to foreign aid are steadily eroding.
For example, lost in the flap over Minister Oda’s “mistake” is what the defunding of Kairos, a reputable non-governmental organization, by CIDA, means to Canada’s front line programs that address poverty, health and human rights concerns in developing countries.
For 30 years, Kairos has promoted a global image for Canada’s foreign aid policy as reflected in the CIDA staff’s positive review and endorsement for the Kairos funding proposal.
Oda’s “not” tarnishes Canada’s reputation in the developing world. More importantly, thousands of people suffer hunger, neglect and oppression because Canadian politicians are more focused on maintaining and exercising power rather than giving responsible leadership.
I for one believe democracy demands an engaged electorate that holds politicians accountable to the principles of integrity, fairness, freedom, peace and social justice.
When citizens resign themselves to “the cult of impotence,” we are lulled into minimal democracy that amounts to “serial dictatorships.”
History and the revolution in Egypt remind us that when the electorate leads, politicians follow.
Are we up to the democratic challenge?
Johann Funk
Vernon
