To join a political party or not...

that is the question...

from JoeUser Forums
I've been debating whether to join a political party or not for some time now. My problem is finding a political party that fits my views. I have already eliminated the Liberals, Conservatives, and the Bloc based on astounding political differences, so I'm left with the debate over whether to join the NDP or not...

I have sympathized with the NDP for a while, and was hoping they could make gains, and perhaps form a coalition with the Liberals last elections (yeah, an NDP victory hasn't been possible since the 80s). Okay, they made some gains, but I was kinda expecting more, like a return to their height in the 80s. I mean, when you're running against Paul Martin and Stephen Harper, that's easier than running unopposed. But I digress.

The NDP is Canada's newest major party. They date back to the CCF in the 30s, which with J. S. Woodsworth, would stand up for some true socialist principles. In the 60s they became the NDP, and with Tommy Douglas, fathered our healthcare system. Hooray for public healthcare!

However, it seems to me that they have moved to the right since then, and haven't came up with any real new ideas since healthcare, and that was around 40 years ago.

Manitoba is NDP country. Gary Doer (NDP) is in office, and polls show him as the most popular premier in the country. Yet, I'm not a big fan. I feel like he is starting to turn his back on true NDP principles. It's getting to hard to keep the tuition freeze these days.

My biggest worry is that the NDP will move farther to the right, and go the way of Labour in the UK. I don't want "third way," I want a party that will stand up for universal healthcare, for low tuition, for oil nationalization, against foreign imperialism, and different from the Conservatives and Liberals. I don't want to wind up supporting the other Liberal Party.

Or I could join one of the minor parties, like Marxist-Leninist or Communist...

Basically, my problem is that all of the major parties are too far right for me. So I'm still debating whether to bite the bullet and join the NDP, remain independant, or start looking around in minor parties...

so...antone have an advice or anything?
politics
8,680 views 9 replies
Reply #1 from JoeUser Forums Top
Join the NDP and try to help make it the Party it is meant to be. It has quite a tradition in Manitoba... get it back to where it used to be.
To join the loony toon lefties like the ML, CP or SWP is a waste of time that will only lead to disappointment, believe me, I've been there.
Join the NDP... it's the only sensible thing to do.
Reply #2 from JoeUser Forums Top
Here In California you must belong to a party to vote in primaries, otherwise I would be independent, Is it that way in Canada?
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Reply #3 from JoeUser Forums Top

Here In California you must belong to a party to vote in primaries, otherwise I would be independent, Is it that way in Canada?

That is not the case in Virginia.

But as for advice, join a monastery.

Reply #4 from JoeUser Forums Top
Here In California you must belong to a party to vote in primaries, otherwise I would be independent, Is it that way in Canada?


We don't really have primaries, at least not the way you do. Our leaders are selected at conventions, and last until they either step down, or are challenged on the floor of the convention, so they can last for multiple elections if they are popular enough.
Reply #6 from JoeUser Forums Top
I don't understand why people want to pigeonhole themselves. I don't want people to say, "Oh, Anglo's a liberal so she probably believes in ___________." I'd rather thoughtfully decide what I think on issues instead of toeing any party line or feeling like I should believe something to fit in with my party. My $0.02.

So if I were you, I'd go with "not."

-A.
Reply #7 from JoeUser Forums Top

Oh, Anglo's a liberal so she probably believes in ___________."

Anglo's a liberal?  Since when?

Reply #8 from JoeUser Forums Top
or rich enough like Trudeau or Mulrooney...


AHHHHH! Not the M-word!

"He bugs us still" - Peter C. Newman
Reply #9 from JoeUser Forums Top
Oh c'mon you need to get like Ben and host Canadian Idol so people remember your face later in life with politics lol.

I'll be honest latour, the NDP haven't earned my trust. The NDP have been in power a little too long in my province and our economy is one of two that LOSES people every year because of some of the highest business taxes in north america. It ain't PEI and we are west of the Manitobans. The problem I have with a heavy socialist is that they are eager to tax the hell out of people to run the budget. What they say and what they do are two different things.NDP always take the route of taxing to prosperity and it never works!#$^%@#$%@# Right now I'd give the PCs more credit than the NDP but not much more than the Liberals.

Considering the PCs are going through another identity crisis with Harper I think your best bet is to go with the PC's for now (they have moderated alot since Harper has been on, probably why the want to give him the boot. ) Given the current world climate we need a leader that is not afraid to be known internationally. For example, we need to find auxillary markets for softwood lumber, beef and grain should the american markets close down.

I have been totally offended by Martin's yes sir attititude of pleasing the big fish. He has shown no foresight in anticipating global events like say Vincente Foxx, has lacked the backbone of his predecessor Chretian in distancing himself both economically and ideologically from a sinking neighbour and to my knowledge has not implemented any new iniatives on health care.

The only time the crap gets brought up is when election time comes.

Shake things up. Be a trendsetter. Speak with an impediment! Go Bloc!