Filed under: Economy and Politics
When the National Post finally gets around to calling it the “stink of corruption” it’s safe to assume that pretty much everybody has noticed the scandals piling up in the B.C. Legislature.
“There’s no way the Liberals can win the election next May.” I said to Mr. V. last night, while discussing the latest fiasco, this one involving the Coleman brothers, Rich and Stan, 28,000 hectares of land, a $150 million windfall for Stan’s employer, Western Forest Products, and not even so much as a sham public consultation for Rich’s employer, the people of BC.
Mr. V. tilted his head and raised one eyebrow. I knew exactly what he was thinking.
“Do you think the NDP could manage to squeeze in a leadership convention? There’s always Adrian Dix…” I mused. “What is it about the NDP and the women they select as leaders? They’re so nice, but there’s something missing. Audrey McLaughlin, Alexa McDonough, Carole James, they all come from the same ladylike mold, and they don’t seem to have any passion.”
We agreed it was too bad Joy MacPhail had worn herself out being 95% of the Opposition back in the BC Liberals’ squeaky clean days. She wasn’t always likable, but she was one passionate firecracker, with the kind of energy needed to burn the government’s feet in an election campaign.
Then I remembered a conversation I had a few months ago at a dinner party. As the conversation rolled around to politics, it took both of us a few moments to recall James’ last name. Maybe it was the wine, or the wavering memories of middle age, but we both chalked it up to James’ extended failure to appear in the local media. She wasn’t top of mind, and seemingly forgettable.
And that’s a real problem for her and her party. Today, Alex Tsakumis’ analysis of women in politics doesn’t even mention James, though he has plenty to say about many others.
All the NDP would need to win the next provicial election is another seven seats. It’s doubtful they can manage it under their current, forgettable leader.
I don’t have any allusions about the NDP’s capacity to bring about lasting change. Sooner or later, they will form another provincial government, and sooner or later, the power will lead to corruption and scandals.
Hopefully, come May 12, 2009, they will manage to knock the Liberals hard enough to prevent them from becoming corrupted absolutely.
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Amen!
PS: I’m glad to have become acquainted with your blog!
Comment by vancouveriste 07.20.08 @ 10:54 pmLeave a comment
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You bring up a point I subconsciously have been tinkering with for ages! Where the hell is Carol James? Now is her chance, if there ever was one, to kick ass and take names! Last I heard - and this was months ago - was a blip on the news about her attending a gala in Tsawaassen in traditional Native garb…something about reclaimed land and treaties. Now, I don’t follow the news blow-by-blow so maybe she has been much more out and about than that. But come on! Stand up and box a bit!!
Comment by Grumpus 07.19.08 @ 7:26 pm