Friday, September 9, 2011

A Couple of Thoughts on the Ontario Election. . . . .

I am always closer to the NDP in every election in this country. In fact, my criticism of the NDP more often than not, and when I do have them, stem from the Party not being leftwing enough. Given that fact, I must say that there seems to be a fair amount to be critical about concerning the leadership of Horwath's leadership of the Ontario NDP. The Provincial Party's record on the Environment and their failure to address pressing education issues in their platform should be a serious concern for any traditional NDP supporter. And I am certainly not the only one to bring this up; a number of long-time NDP supporters and activists are beginning to has voice their concern.

When she became the Provincial NDP leaders we were all aware that Horwath was not on the most progressive side of the Party. However, given the rather sad record of the Ontario Liberals on many issues there are still good reasons to vote NDP, particularly in riding where they have a real chance. However, I would love to see some genuine discussion among NDP supporters concerning the issues at hand here. The rather disastrous record of Bob Rae's government is perhaps too fresh in people's minds to give todays NDP a real chance at government. But Rae is now in the Liberal Party where he belongs and we have to ask ourselves, at a time when the Provincial Liberals have done so poorly and the Conservative Party is coming off the rails due to genuine crazies in its leadership, why are the NDP not a more credible alternative?

4 comments:

ricky said...

I have to disagree with some of your post. The NDP in Ontario are making gains as they are across the country, thanks in large part to Jack Layton and his letter to Canadians. That letter was delivered by the media, to Canadians for several days, unaltered.

It allowed people to actually hear first hand what the NDP was about.

Here in Ontario, we are pushing 25% in popularity and climbing. I know we will do even better in future elections.

People are starting too see we are not the party of Bob Rae. We are part of the House Jack built!

Kirbycairo said...

That is fair enough Rick but I for one feel that Horwath is taking the provincial NDP fairly far off the path of many traditional NDP ideals. I don't think she is in the "house that Jack build," I think she is building rather ramshackle shed in the backyard.

ricky said...

This helps me

http://www.greenpeace.org/canada/en/Blog/greenpeace-calls-ndps-conservation-first-ener/blog/36227/

Kirbycairo said...

Yes Rick, that is one program which might be of assistance to some people and the environment. But I think that the NDPO really needs to shift far to the left of where they are now, at least on Green Issues, to be a more viable alternative to other parties.