Lots of points to consider. Thank you for the insights and the thoughtful argument. We can’t forget that democracy only works when we share a belief in the concept.
This post wouldn’t fly in a European parliament based on proportional representation. There is a much better distribution of parties, who share in governing. They have to work together to govern. It has saddened me to see the destruction of the NDP and historic lack of seats for the Greens. We now have a two party system like our neighbours to the south, where reds and blues are arch enemies!
“People will tolerate defeat when they believe it is temporary…” Appreciate the intent of your article
I have lived in Alberta over 30 yrs with all major political parties running, my vote has resulted in no federal & only 2 provincial candidates elected(defeat not temporary) but am tolerant
Conservatives rarely defeated & 28% Separatists think my way or the highway
One party rule creates democratic unbalance and sometimes authoritarian tendencies that promote fear and distain for different points of view.
Good article as always Corey. The problem is how best to communicate this message to the citizens who most need to understand it.
Most of them aren’t reading Substacks. And even great organizations like the Samarra Centre seem to be speaking to the converted. The people most receptive to anti-democratic messages are often getting their information and insight from sources that are more than happy to amplify damaging ideas and misinformation.
Maybe what I’m asking is: Where are the charismatic dude-bro YouTubers and podcasters who can deliver this message in a way that resonates? Because it seems like young men are often the most fertile ground for these decidedly undemocratic movements.
There’s been much organizational discussion in recent years about culture and belonging as foundational to high performance, loyalty and trust. But, if belonging excludes all who hold different viewpoints and backgrounds, it becomes an echo chamber of uniformity that is as personally unhealthy as it is societally destructive. This seems to be today’s reality and a condition each of us must wrestle with.
Hi Mr. Hogan, hope you are well. Thanks for this posts and your insights. I would also say that another item that all politicians must recognize and respect is our Treaty obligations and our duty to consult. It's really starting to look like our federal government is going to race through approval of a pipeline including a new terminal station in Robert's Bank. That despite earlier promises that nothing would happen without consultation, but the project has already been referred to the Major Projects office. I am hoping you can shed some light on this. Is our government still committed to not proceeding without the backing of the first nations affected?
RE: “It requires us to keep cooperating with people after we have failed to persuade them.” Yes, but how to co-operate with people who don’t believe in science or are openly racist or care not for the vulnerable, etc.? Also, how to trust democracy when parties that don’t run on adding water-sucking data centres all over the country do so without explaining how they will protect the fundamental need of clean water for this and future generations?
Yes, trust depends on honesty and follow-through. A current Premier has been and continues to be dishonest, racist and doesn't believe in science. A significant part of her dishonesty was running an election on an entirely different platform than where she currently spends time and public funds. She is also stoking polarized division. Very disconcerting - not democratic.
Lots of points to consider. Thank you for the insights and the thoughtful argument. We can’t forget that democracy only works when we share a belief in the concept.
This post wouldn’t fly in a European parliament based on proportional representation. There is a much better distribution of parties, who share in governing. They have to work together to govern. It has saddened me to see the destruction of the NDP and historic lack of seats for the Greens. We now have a two party system like our neighbours to the south, where reds and blues are arch enemies!
“People will tolerate defeat when they believe it is temporary…” Appreciate the intent of your article
I have lived in Alberta over 30 yrs with all major political parties running, my vote has resulted in no federal & only 2 provincial candidates elected(defeat not temporary) but am tolerant
Conservatives rarely defeated & 28% Separatists think my way or the highway
One party rule creates democratic unbalance and sometimes authoritarian tendencies that promote fear and distain for different points of view.
Living in Alberta we see the result of a government never held to account … decade after decade.
Excellent writing, thank you
That being said, PP losing his seat was absolutely hilarious.
Good article as always Corey. The problem is how best to communicate this message to the citizens who most need to understand it.
Most of them aren’t reading Substacks. And even great organizations like the Samarra Centre seem to be speaking to the converted. The people most receptive to anti-democratic messages are often getting their information and insight from sources that are more than happy to amplify damaging ideas and misinformation.
Maybe what I’m asking is: Where are the charismatic dude-bro YouTubers and podcasters who can deliver this message in a way that resonates? Because it seems like young men are often the most fertile ground for these decidedly undemocratic movements.
There’s been much organizational discussion in recent years about culture and belonging as foundational to high performance, loyalty and trust. But, if belonging excludes all who hold different viewpoints and backgrounds, it becomes an echo chamber of uniformity that is as personally unhealthy as it is societally destructive. This seems to be today’s reality and a condition each of us must wrestle with.
Losers and winners…’..remember when it was win-win?
Hi Mr. Hogan, hope you are well. Thanks for this posts and your insights. I would also say that another item that all politicians must recognize and respect is our Treaty obligations and our duty to consult. It's really starting to look like our federal government is going to race through approval of a pipeline including a new terminal station in Robert's Bank. That despite earlier promises that nothing would happen without consultation, but the project has already been referred to the Major Projects office. I am hoping you can shed some light on this. Is our government still committed to not proceeding without the backing of the first nations affected?
RE: “It requires us to keep cooperating with people after we have failed to persuade them.” Yes, but how to co-operate with people who don’t believe in science or are openly racist or care not for the vulnerable, etc.? Also, how to trust democracy when parties that don’t run on adding water-sucking data centres all over the country do so without explaining how they will protect the fundamental need of clean water for this and future generations?
Yes, trust depends on honesty and follow-through. A current Premier has been and continues to be dishonest, racist and doesn't believe in science. A significant part of her dishonesty was running an election on an entirely different platform than where she currently spends time and public funds. She is also stoking polarized division. Very disconcerting - not democratic.
Very interesting insights into democracy and the people who put themselves out whether they are successful or not. Thank you.