I’ve taken a sabbatical this past year from all things political, and it’s been hard. When you read something, hear someone speak, or watch someone on TV say inaccurate or plain stupid comments it’s hard not to pounce on them.
It was very difficult to sit out this last Federal election, but sometimes we need to sit back and regain our perspective on life. It was time to do so. I watched many good friends working their collective asses off, while I did little. It made me feel somewhat guilty, but again, it was past due for some time for me.
The past year given me a newer perspective on a few things political. Hence a bit of a rant.
1. I don’t think we, (The Conservative parties) give the volunteers their due and I’m probably as guilty as the next person in that regard. The vast majority of folks working for the parties are there of their own free will, and are not paid. We need to appreciate them more. Not just the once a year folks but those who sit on the executives and take the daily crap on the local level.
2. We do a terrible job with our public image. The LPC, the NDP and the BQ control the media stories. We have problems getting our messaging out. I don’t understand why. We have so many talented people in the parties, we should be dominating the media. We have years of leftist propaganda to fight.
3. Conservative supporters are very principled. They may agree with you on 190 out of 200 policy issues, but will walk away from you on the differences from the remaining 10. They may be principled, but many are not loyal. The other parties tend to keep their supporters regardless of the issues, they circle the wagons and fight the common foe.
4. The vast majority of Conservative members are middle of the road people. Somewhat left/somewhat right in their beliefs. Getting back to number 2 and 3, that’s why the media focuses on the minority religious right, they scare away the soft middle support. In my last executive, perhaps 4 out of 30 were serious about religion, ask the common folks their opinion, and we where all zealots about to make Canada a Theocracy.
5. It’s not about policy, it’s about getting elected. It’s not about getting elected, it’s about policy.
6. No, It’s about Canada. Period.
7. Do what you think is right, regardless of the consequences. Sometimes you have to break some eggs to make a cake.
8. Always tell the truth.
9. There is way too much deadwood in the party. We all know the folks who talk big and never quite do anything. These are the same ones who only come out to be delegates or candidates and do little else. They refuse to get their hands dirty with the actual running of the party. They like to have their photo’s taken with cabinet Ministers and MP’s, but God forbid they should man a table, make phone calls or organize events. But…..the parties are made up of volunteers, so what are you going to do?