Liberalism - Sidebar #5

Our summer of studies on liberalism has drawn to a close.  Comments have come fast and furious – the constructive have been passed on to others seeking change, the inane have been happily “spammed,” and those of vitriolic hatred have been passed on to the appropriate authorities.I want to personally thank those who took the time to give thoughtful and thought-provoking replies to the posts.  Such comments affirmed for me the belief that progressives exist in all parties and are frustrated by hyper-partisanship of our present politics.  At least in their sentiments expressed in response to this blog they have proven that well-meaning Canadians need not be ideologically biased or think themselves so intelligent that other views don’t matter.Just yesterday, I received the following comment that I think best sums up what these posts have been striving for.“I have been following your series of posts on Liberalism over the past few weeks and must say I am appreciating the groundwork you are laying for a more compassionate foundation for the future of our country. As a small "c" conservative, I find we share much in common. I have come to the conclusion that the best way for me to help change the extreme thinking of some of my colleagues is to stay within the conservative ranks and try to be a voice for moderation and sharing like you are promoting from your Liberal position. What is concerning me more than anything else is that the bar of success in the material world has been set very high and many now consider that any reduction in standard of living, even if they maintain a standard higher than 90% of the rest of the world, is a step backwards. There is an air of entitlement that many are unable to release. This in turn is generating a strong shift to the right, particularly in the United States where people like Glenn Beck can put together rallies with several hundred thousand people who are opposed to any sharing of the wealth. Many of these people are not prepared to even acknowledge the issue of climate change for fear that it costs them in some personal way. They can gloss over the human rights issues because it requires them to move away from their television sets and get involved. They are focused only on the bottom line of themselves. In addition to your blog, I read several others each day, both left and right leaning.  I fear that there is a strong polarization taking place in our society and the fight will not be pleasant. It seems to me that the voice of reason that you continue to deliver will become increasingly important and hopefully, it will not be drowned out by the yelling on both sides such as you endure each day in question period in parliament.” Another insightful response came from the opposite end of the country, from a woman in Vancouver.“I have been troubled all summer by your posts.  I began by thinking you should have been in the NDP party, Glen, but now I realize it doesn’t matter.  All those who you describe as possessing a “progressive spirit” are naturally bonded by their love for this country no matter what their political allegiance.  The more I read your thoughts I realized I had somehow become a coward.  I was a big supporter of Dawn Black of the NDP and her example showed me what a good parliamentarian could do.  But in the process I had become so partisan that all I could see was the point of view of my party.  Not any more.  Through these posts I have learned I was only brave when I was in my own crowd.  Canada deserves better than my frail performance and it will get it.  I will now fight against the slurs and character assassinations of the present political game and I’ll be glad to join with you anytime as we battle for, as you say, “a better public space.”  My NDP roots are strong but my love for Canada is stronger.  Thanks for bring it out of me once again.  At almost 60 years of age, I should have known better.”Thank you to all the readers and respondents this summer.  Your collective voice and hopes emerged through the vendettas and sheer ignorance of the “digital hit men” and I believe at some point you will prevail.  Liberalism doesn’t belong to the Liberal party alone but to every Canada who believes in the goal of self-empowerment and collective accountability.  Our challenge is now to come together to claim the public space once more.  Thanks for the hope that it’s possible.