Political Junkies-- Translation-- Political Idiots

I’m becoming increasingly frustrated with people who contend that they are “political junkies.” These two words should suggest that they are interested in everything to do with the world of politics, but in reality they are only interested in one party and espousing that party’s mantra on a daily basis.

The political climate in Canada has become increasingly polarized in recent times. There’s little doubt the rise of the re-joined Conservative Party of Canada (CPC) has led to that polarization.

Good! There is no benefit to a country like Canada having a democratic system where one party is considered “the natural governing party,” the way the Liberal Party of Canada (LPC) have been come to be known. When there are no checks and balances in place to keep people honest, well, we all know how this story ends.

The best example of the “I’m right, you’re wrong” attitude of politics watchers is the debate raging now over what is to be done about the environment. During the election campaign, the CPC laid out their 5 priorities for Canada. Nowhere in those 5 was there any mention about the environment. No worries, the government will still be proactive about our eco-system, right? Not so much. The Prime Minister appoints a political rookie (Rona Ambrose) to a portfolio that required a seasoned politician (a la John Baird). Ambrose was useless in that position- Barid has done marginally better. But at least with Baird, the government started to look a little greener. You’d never know it from hardline CPC supporters though. They contend this government has always had a green thumb. Give me a break.

Surprise! It’s not just the supporters of the CPC, but the Liberals have their share of thick headed morons too. Those people will tell you Stephane Dion will someday become Prime Minister, even though the LPC’s polling numbers haven’t moved significantly in three months. They’ll also tell you that the party isn’t fractured after the Leadership Convention- Sudbury MP Diane Marleau actually had to stand in a caucus meeting yesterday and tell inside dissenters to “shut-up” if they ever had designs of sitting on the government side of the house in the near future. Boy, this is definitely a party that is waiting in the wings.

What do people see in their politicians that make them put on the blinders and follow along? What makes non-MP’s feel like they have to “tow the party line” to people that would only their comments as a billboard for one political party?

It’s because they don’t know any better. They’ve probably had their politics force fed to them as they were growing up. Probably their father or mother were just as ignorant to other people's views as they are and wouldn’t stand for dissension against their political elite. And possibly they developed these views themselves- although the shaping of those ideals would have to come from somewhere, I would argue.

Different view points are what makes this country the best in the world. When you decide that someone’s view is wrong, just because they may be on the right or left of the political spectrum, you are just confirming what people think about politics in general- It’s a dirty game, and it’s generally reserved for people who like to hear the sound of their own voice.