Monthly Archives: October 2011

It’s the end of the political party as we know it – and I feel fine

http://www.theglobeandmail.com/news/politics/its-the-end-of-the-political-party-as-we-know-it-and-i-feel-fine/article2201934/

david berlin

From Saturday’s Globe and Mail
Published Friday, Oct. 14, 2011 6:52PM EDT
Last updated Saturday, Oct. 15, 2011 12:57PM EDT

In last week’s provincial election in Ontario, I held my nose and voted for the incumbent.

What irked me was not his integrity or dedication to public service, both well-proved, but that along the way, this once-bright-eyed idealist had been slapped by his party to show him who was boss. After a one-year stint as minister, he was chucked out of office. From that day on, he become party property. A conscionable person became a mouthpiece who stuck out his nose only to be led by it – a hack.

Worse, this hollowing out is commonplace – the fate of all those who pursue their ideals through our party system. Continue reading