One Last Kick at the Liberals

[Keepitsimple]

The election is over but the decaying carcass of the Liberals is out there for all to see. There is no need to pull any punches. There is no sense in trying to stand on long past glories. When the Conservatives imploded after Mulroney, the Libereals slowly but surely began their climb to arrogance and entitlement and their descent in principles and connection to everyday Canadians. This article by Steve Janke puts into words what many have felt about the Liberals for some time - but clung to some irrational hope that somehow, they would find their way - if only to keep the evil Conservatives and their Lucifer-driven hidden agenda from seizing power. Alas, it's been left to Bob Rae to guide the Natural Governing Party in its quest to find itself:

Steve Janke: If the Liberals don’t know why they exist, why do they exist?

Comments Twitter LinkedIn Email .Steve Janke May 24, 2011 – 10:05 AM ET

How many columns and blog posts have been published that implore Liberals to look for new ideas? I’ve seen it over and:

We Liberals need to define the centre.

We Liberals need to decide what policies we want to adopt.

We Liberals need to figure out what we stand for.

There is a joke, popular among engineers, in which a man proudly shows off his axe to a friend. He declares this to be the best axe he ever owned. In fact, he likes it so much he has replaced the blade twice and the handle three times rather than throw it away.

The joke, of course, is that what he is holding in his hand has long since ceased to have any connection to that axe from long ago.

The Liberals are like the man with the axe. The Liberal Party is important. The Liberal Party matters. Canada needs the Liberal Party.

To preserve the party, therefore, they will engage in an exercise to decide what the Liberal Party means. Depending on what policies they adopt on questions of taxation, social programs, foreign affairs, the military, trade, and so on, it is quite likely that whatever emerges will have no resemblance to the Liberal Party that suffered a crushing defeat under Michael Ignatieff in the last election, or that suffered a somewhat less crushing defeat under Stephane Dion, or that ruled with majorities under Jean Chretien, or attacked Alberta’s oil industry under Pierre Trudeau, and so on.

This is not to say that parties can never change or evolve. Of course they do. But they do so under some sort of philosophically-based set of guiding principles that provide a sense of whether a given policy change represents a radical departure for that party, or accords with its governing philosophy.

Instead, the Liberals express glibly their intent to define “what the party stands for”. What the party stands for should be obvious.

No so with the Liberals. Several have said the Liberal Party must find “the centre”. In other words, as a party, the Liberals never offer to lead, but only to pander.

Pandering is a sort of philosophy, I suppose, but not a very inspirational one. It’s too elastic. Is the country in the mood for more social programs? The Liberals will be there to expand into provincial jurisdictions with programs funded by higher taxes. Is the country sick of taxes? The Liberals will be there to slash taxes and to download unfunded programs to the provinces. Either way works for the Liberals because as Liberals, they have no real philosophy when it comes to jurisdictional respect, taxation, the size and role of government — except to say that on these issues and on any other, the Liberal Party will be there to say what they think you want them to say.

So like the axe in the joke, the Liberals will replace any part of any program and policy, and then hold up this new program or policy and declare it to be quintessentially Liberal.

As long as it seems popular, that is. When the shine comes off, it will get replaced with a brand new program or policy that is as definitively Liberal as the diametrically-opposed program or policy it replaces — or so insist the Liberals.

The joke is funny because the man holding the axe is oblivious to the fact that his favourite axe ceased to exist a long time ago. The Liberals seem to understand exactly what they are doing. That’s not funny at all. It’s just cynical.

It’s past time to chuck this axe away. Or perhaps to admit it has ceased to exist a long time ago.

National Post

[madmax]

The election is over but the decaying carcass of the Liberals is out there for all to see. There is no need to pull any punches. There is no sense in trying to stand on long past glories. When the Conservatives imploded after Mulroney, the Libereals slowly but surely began their climb to arrogance and entitlement and their descent in principles and connection to everyday Canadians. This article by Steve Janke puts into words what many have felt about the Liberals for some time - but clung to some irrational hope that somehow, they would find their way - if only to keep the evil Conservatives and their Lucifer-driven hidden agenda from seizing power. Alas, it's been left to Bob Rae to guide the Natural Governing Party in its quest to find itself:

I find your comments better then the article itself.

[RNG]

The ax analogy works very well for me.

[Topaz]

The Liberal party will never disappear and Canada needs three party system, especially with Harper and all his power. Harper , himself will be the reason the Liberals will be back. The NDP, got lucky this time but I don't think they can hold the power they have now and they are no match for someone so ?????? as Harper. Time will only tell.

[Tilter]

The Liberal party will never disappear and Canada needs three party system, especially with Harper and all his power. Harper , himself will be the reason the Liberals will be back. The NDP, got lucky this time but I don't think they can hold the power they have now and they are no match for someone so ?????? as Harper. Time will only tell.

It would be idiotic to think that to defeat Harper we need a 3 party system. The fewer parties in the running the more one party has a chance to defeat another party.

Now that there is a majority Conservative government in power, a seemingly strong socialist opposition + a dead party getting useless CPR and a dying beached whale socialist party wouldn't it make sense for the whale to throw support to the other socialist party, first of all to fight the socialist fight against the Capitalistic moneyhungry service-cutting supporters of business and 3 tier health services who are supported by at least 40% of the (actual) voters and secondly to at least have a possible chance to have the word Liberal appear somewhere in the name of the new coalition (ooops EVIL word) party?

PPST

Sorry for this--- add Warmongering somewhere after Conservative but before coalition

[noahbody]

Harper , himself will be the reason the Liberals will be back.

That's exactly how the Liberal Party would like you to think. But the Liberal Government no longer gets to define what a majority Harper-led Government will be like.

The Liberal brand is flaky. They stand for the centre, but don't know where it is.

[Keepitsimple]

The Liberal brand is flaky. They stand for the centre, but don't know where it is.

Regardless, I would not write the Liberals off - in spite of my opening statement. Outside Quebec, the NDP made very little headway. When I look ahead 4 years, I can see the NDP Quebec vote being redistributed. Some will be picked up by the Conservatives, some by the Liberals - and perhaps a few by the Bloc - the point being that the Orange Wave will be receding - it was an anomale dictated by a confluence of events that will not re-occur. If the Conservatives play their cards right, they'll have an even bigger majority next time around. The goal of the Liberals has to be - must be - to simply regain the role of Official Opposition. If they can do that, they will have a base with which to work with - because History shows that a party's popularity always runs its course over time. So for the Liberals....next election - regain Official Opposition status.....the following election - hold the Conservatives to a minority. If they can't do that - if the Conservatives get a third consecutive majority - look for the Libs and NDP to unite. The Liberals had better get to work.....energize the grass roots, draw a longer term vision....engage the ridings.

Edited May 25, 2011 by Keepitsimple

[CPCFTW]

Regardless, I would not write the Liberals off - in spite of my opening statement. Outside Quebec, the NDP made very little headway. When I look ahead 4 years, I can see the NDP Quebec vote being redistributed. Some will be picked up by the Conservatives, some by the Liberals - and perhaps a few by the Bloc - the point being that the Orange Wave will be receding - it was an anomale dictated by a confluence of events that will not re-occur. If the Conservatives play their cards right, they'll have an even bigger majority next time around. The goal of the Liberals has to be - must be - to simply regain the role of Official Opposition. If they can do that, they will have a base with which to work with - because History shows that a party's popularity always runs its course over time. So for the Liberals....next election - regain Official Opposition status.....the following election - hold the Conservatives to a minority. If they can't do that - if the Conservatives get a third consecutive majority - look for the Libs and NDP to unite. The Liberals had better get to work.....energize the grass roots, draw a longer term vision....engage the ridings.

It makes me so happy to think of a possible 12 years of conservative majority and 17 years of Harper rule. All hail king Harper!

[NA Carter]

Regardless, I would not write the Liberals off - in spite of my opening statement. Outside Quebec, the NDP made very little headway. When I look ahead 4 years, I can see the NDP Quebec vote being redistributed. Some will be picked up by the Conservatives, some by the Liberals - and perhaps a few by the Bloc - the point being that the Orange Wave will be receding - it was an anomale dictated by a confluence of events that will not re-occur. If the Conservatives play their cards right, they'll have an even bigger majority next time around. The goal of the Liberals has to be - must be - to simply regain the role of Official Opposition. If they can do that, they will have a base with which to work with - because History shows that a party's popularity always runs its course over time. So for the Liberals....next election - regain Official Opposition status.....the following election - hold the Conservatives to a minority. If they can't do that - if the Conservatives get a third consecutive majority - look for the Libs and NDP to unite. The Liberals had better get to work.....energize the grass roots, draw a longer term vision....engage the ridings.

I agree that the Liberals need to get to work. Bob Rae as interim leader is the right choice for this task. There's no election anytime soon, so who cares what electoral baggage he has. Right now the party needs an organizer and motivator. The next step is a major overhaul of the party brass. The Old Boys Network isn't going to fly anymore, and the policy department was an absolute disaster in the last election; abosolutely nothing was produced that could even be mistaken for a coherent platform. They have almost five years to get their act together - plenty of time to at least get competitive. It's time to stop trying to be NDP Lite, and go and fill the hole left by the demise of the PC party.

[Tilter]

I agree that the Liberals need to get to work. Bob Rae as interim leader is the right choice for this task. There's no election anytime soon, so who cares what electoral baggage he has. Right now the party needs an organizer and motivator. The next step is a major overhaul of the party brass. The Old Boys Network isn't going to fly anymore, and the policy department was an absolute disaster in the last election; abosolutely nothing was produced that could even be mistaken for a coherent platform. They have almost five years to get their act together - plenty of time to at least get competitive. It's time to stop trying to be NDP Lite, and go and fill the hole left by the demise of the PC party.

What better ambassador to the NDP & the unification of the lefties--- he being an undercover NDPr--- and so trustworthy. Boy, one thing you can say about Rae--- Gimme a year or two & I'll think of one.

[Jerry J. Fortin]

The Liberals and the NDP will in fact merge. Not before a leadership convention is complete with the proper mandate of course, yet nonetheless a merge is the only way to defeat the Conservatives.

[Sir Bandelot]

The stinking carcass that is liberalism should at least be given a decent burial. Of course, liberals themselves don't have the gumption to do that... they will ask someone else to do it, someone with intestinal fortitude, while they look away.

Most of these people don't even eat red meat, they only buy frozen prepared meals that are heated in a microwave.

Liberals need to realize, it's time to come to terms with something. The party needs to be completely dismantled. Since they likely don't have the courage to do that, we as Canadians can do them a further service by removing them from official party status. That will help to promote the healing.

Then given enough time to ruminate over their loss, something miraculous might happen. Out of the detritous of what as once the Liberal Party of Canada, a new seed can grow. There will initially be a sprouting, then a blossoming and finally a full bloom shall arise, from the very soil that holds the decayed flesh of their destruction. Neo-liberals, having no direct ties to their leprous ancestory will be born anew, lifting their heads up to the light, so that we Canadians can behold the vulnerable shape of its face, like an awkward teenager seeking acceptance. Won't that be cute.

Ten years later, it will be the same old crap. But that's the way the wheel always turns, babies.

[August1991]

Regardless, I would not write the Liberals off - in spite of my opening statement. Outside Quebec, the NDP made very little headway. When I look ahead 4 years, I can see the NDP Quebec vote being redistributed. Some will be picked up by the Conservatives, some by the Liberals - and perhaps a few by the Bloc - the point being that the Orange Wave will be receding...

Do you really see the Liberals winning a significant number of seats in the West (ie. West of Sudbury) in the next election? It is a stretch for me to believe that the Liberals can win many seats in Quebec.

In short, one has to conclude that the Liberals will die simply because they can't win seats anywhere.

It used to be said that the Conservatives cannot win a majority without Quebec. I would venture to argue that the Liberals cannot win a majority now without the West. And if the Liberals cannot win, they are no longer a viable party.

[Saipan]

Harper , himself will be the reason the Liberals will be back.

Just like Chretien was the reason real conservatives got more seats in EVERY election.

[bloodyminded]

The stinking carcass that is liberalism should at least be given a decent burial. Of course, liberals themselves don't have the gumption to do that... they will ask someone else to do it, someone with intestinal fortitude, while they look away.

Most of these people don't even eat red meat, they only buy frozen prepared meals that are heated in a microwave.

Liberals need to realize, it's time to come to terms with something. The party needs to be completely dismantled. Since they likely don't have the courage to do that, we as Canadians can do them a further service by removing them from official party status. That will help to promote the healing.

Then given enough time to ruminate over their loss, something miraculous might happen. Out of the detritous of what as once the Liberal Party of Canada, a new seed can grow. There will initially be a sprouting, then a blossoming and finally a full bloom shall arise, from the very soil that holds the decayed flesh of their destruction. Neo-liberals, having no direct ties to their leprous ancestory will be born anew, lifting their heads up to the light, so that we Canadians can behold the vulnerable shape of its face, like an awkward teenager seeking acceptance. Won't that be cute.

The birth of Reform, good point! Worked for them.

Ten years later, it will be the same old crap. But that's the way the wheel always turns, babies.

The birth of Reform, good point!

[Pliny]

There comes a time in a country's governance that the citizens grow weary of living in fear and they don't really care to listen to what government has to say anymore.

The threat of scary times if government should shrink, the terrifying consequences of regressive policies that don't expand some department of government. The devastation that would result if someone's funding should get cut. The economic disaster of not going further into debt. The harm to the environment and depletion of our natural resources without proper stewardship. And what about the homeless and disadvantaged in society - their numbers are multiplying exponentially. Crime is down but we need more police - and a bastion of private security guards and home alarm systems. Come on guys there's also global climate change, volcanoes erupting, earthquakes and tsunamis, nuclear meltdowns, terrorists in our midst need I say more????

yah, yah life's a bitch. Thanks for letting me know I almost gave up, like Quebec, and voted NDP to keep the world at bay, the noise down to a tolerable level, everyone else in self-determined exile in front of their flat screens so they pose no threat and a guaranteed income.

In actuality - life isn't bad. So what the hell are the liberals on about. I can only think they scared the crap out of themselves predicted the end of the world if they weren't at the helm and now face the Armageddon they threatened us with.

It's time to beat them back with a stick until they shed their "progressive" mantle and return to their classical roots. Then we might think about dumping the conservatives.

[Evening Star]

Do you really see the Liberals winning a significant number of seats in the West (ie. West of Sudbury) in the next election? It is a stretch for me to believe that the Liberals can win many seats in Quebec.

In short, one has to conclude that the Liberals will die simply because they can't win seats anywhere.

It used to be said that the Conservatives cannot win a majority without Quebec. I would venture to argue that the Liberals cannot win a majority now without the West. And if the Liberals cannot win, they are no longer a viable party.

Quite agree. The Liberals as they are have outlived their usefulness. In a three-party system, it actually makes sense for the centre party to be the third party.

[Evening Star]

I could maybe see the Liberals taking some Conservative seats in Ontario next time, making an NDP win possible.

[Moonbox]

I could maybe see the Liberals taking some Conservative seats in Ontario next time, making an NDP win possible.

You would like to think that I'm sure, but the rise of the NDP is the sole reason the Conservatives won a majority and will the reason the Conservatives win the next election too. The 'centre' of the Canadian political spectrum is FAR FAR FAR closer to Conservative ideals than to the NDP. You only need to look at how well the provincial NDP has done in Ontario for the last 20 years to see the support they get here.

Anyone working outside of the public sector, outside of a menial labour union and making a decent living typically doesn't vote NDP. There's no reason to.

[RNG]

I really think the NDP will lose it's Quebec support over the next four years. And who will they turn to? That is one of the key questions.

And if the Ontario fear of the NDP is lessened, can the Liberals make a significant comeback?

Wish I had a time machine and could fast forward to see what happens in 2015.

[bloodyminded]

The 'centre' of the Canadian political spectrum is FAR FAR FAR closer to Conservative ideals than to the NDP.

Then what--exactly what--are those ideals, what is 'the centre' of the Canadian political spectrum, and how many people are we talking about, roughly?

That is, are you uttering off-the-cuff platitudes that mean nothing--in traditional Canadian punditry style--or do you really know what you mean here?

[Molly]

Quite agree. The Liberals as they are have outlived their usefulness. In a three-party system, it actually makes sense for the centre party to be the third party.

Mmmm... depends on what your mind's eye picks up as 'as they are'.

IMO this is a centrist nation (begging the question of the definition of centre)- the extreme right/left dichotomy a false one, and falsely presented in our parliament. 'Moderate' (and pragmatic) remains the majority attitude, if not the recent voting pattern.

[Evening Star]

Mmmm... depends on what your mind's eye picks up as 'as they are'.

IMO this is a centrist nation (begging the question of the definition of centre)- the extreme right/left dichotomy a false one, and falsely presented in our parliament. 'Moderate' (and pragmatic) remains the majority attitude, if not the recent voting pattern.

"As they are" = the actual reality of the Liberal Party for at least the last five years as opposed to someone's mental ideal of what a centrist party should be. I'm also not necessarily sure that the CPC and NDP are extreme parties.

[bloodyminded]

"As they are" = the actual reality of the Liberal Party for at least the last five years as opposed to someone's mental ideal of what a centrist party should be. I'm also not necessarily sure that the CPC and NDP are extreme parties.

No, I wouldn't think so.

[Molly]

I'm not referencing them as being 'crazy out there', but just that they are decidedly not the middle. Would even describe themselves as not occupying the centre.

It does not make so much sense to me that the one in the middle should be the smallest/weakest of the three when the human opinion being represented and described is truly more a bell curve. While we all have our tendencies of perspective (and certainly our partisanships) we are not really so ideologically driven as all that. We cluster at that peak, and overall have differences that are really only nuance....