Some thoughts on what I’d love to hear in the current leadership contests: As a number of fundamental crises become more apparent (ecological and economic, not to mention the democratic deficit), the public is looking for bold ideas and bold leadership. Sadly, too many political strategists (as they will confess in private company) operate on the assumption that the public cannot handle the truth; that any politician that speaks honestly of the scope of the challenges we face, and some of the major changes (and short-term sacrifices) meeting these challenges will entail, will be punished by the electorate. And so, those contesting political office are most inclined to say what they think people want to hear. The result is the political equivalent of pablum.
Well, here’s a very different proposition: the leader and party who gets out ahead of the crises we face – who articulates an understanding of their severity, matched by a willingness to meet these challenges with bold solutions and rally us to action – will be politically rewarded.
Take for example the case of climate change and the false debate during the last provincial election over BC’s carbon tax. Both major parties, in effect, told the public, “You won’t have to pay for the changes we need to make.” The Liberals said, “Yes, we will have a carbon tax, but we will return all the money to you in recycled tax cuts in other areas.” The NDP said, “We will go after industry, not you.” No one was speaking the truth, namely, “This challenge is great, and in the near term, we’re all going to have to help pay for climate action, and make some major changes to how we live, work, move around and play.” Ideally, coupled with an inspiring vision: “But done right, the result will be a better quality of life, more inclusive communities, new green jobs, and a more equitable society.”
Who among those vying for leadership today will say, “I firmly accept the overwhelming scientific evidence that climate change is a pressing reality; the defining issue of our time. Its effects are already being profoundly felt in British Columbia. Meeting this challenge will entail fundamental changes, and time is of the essence. If you don’t want a leader who will be guided by this reality, then vote for someone else.”
In the face of the widening gap between the rich and the rest of us, who will say, “I believe public policy should be guided not by the demands and anxieties of the wealthiest among us, but by the needs and wellbeing of the poorest and economically insecure, and I will make policy decisions through that lens.”
Who is willing to say, “I think there is no excuse for poverty and homelessness in a society as wealthy as ours, and their elimination will be a core priority of my government.” Indeed, who might say, “Judge my government by this measure, not by the increasingly less relevant measure of GDP growth.”
And perhaps most daring but honest of all: who will admit that to successfully accomplish these tasks –– confronting climate change, doing so in a manner that provides economic security for modest and middle income families, and eradicating poverty –– will require substantial increases in government spending and investments, which in turn will require an overall increase in taxes. (Now there’s a reality precious few politicians want to admit to, even though most business leaders quietly share this view.)
I could name many more environmental and economic truths that politicians dare not speak, coupled with bold policy ideas they may privately support but which advisors convince them are not realistic. Beneath them all is a simple question: Who will articulate a vision for a province that is truly ecologically sustainable and socially just? (CCPA senior economist Marc Lee offers some of his ideas for what might constitute such a vision here.)
Perhaps one of the reasons that voter turnout is so poor is that a sizable chunk of the electorate is simply uninspired and disaffected, having come reasonably to the conclusion that none of those vying for power is truly speaking to the severity of the challenges we face.
In contrast, one of the reasons behind the recent election of someone like Rob Ford in Toronto, or the historic successes of people like Mike Harris, is not that what they espouse corresponds to the values of the majority of voters (and their “solutions” are simplistic in the extreme), but rather, people like that these leaders brashly say what they think and do what they say.
Or for a more “progressive” example, take the case of recently departed premier Danny Williams (paradoxically a millionaire conservative). He led a bold poverty reduction plan, and asked that his political future be tied to its success. And he brashly stood up to resource corporations (oil companies and AbitibiBowater), demanding that Newfoundlanders receive a fair social contract from these firms. Newfoundlanders hugely rewarded such leadership, making Williams the most popular politician in Canada.
Political boldness such as this comes as a blast of fresh air into the otherwise stale re-circulated air that characterizes politics-as-usual, in which caution is the watchword (and in which progressives vying for leadership fail to offer up a competing vision with as much clarity).
And so a plea to the leadership contenders: trust the public. Trust that we can handle an honest conversation about the challenges we face.
A risky political proposition? Perhaps. But then again, perhaps winning without a mandate to lead us through major change – rooted in fairness and security – isn’t worth the victory.
Stephen Blumstein // Jan 21, 2011 at 2:00 pm
Very few B.C. N.D.P. contenders would want to veer from the politically correct path of appealing to the middle when it comes to environmental or economic policy. On the heels of just finishing Naomi Klein’s amazing The Shock Doctrine, it seems that some of these contenders should be gleaned from the 13 N.D.P. dissidents. They were so valiantly led by Jenny Kwan 0n a crusade to protect their Charter section 2 rights that they should be the ones you are telling to step up to the plate. If not, consider this my invitation to end stale politics in B.C. forever, to truly fight for the poor with fair taxation that redistributes wealth from the rich and wealthier to the more vulnerable, while protecting indigenous rights to Coast Sal;ish land, and seriously seeking out alternative fuel measres and target dates which could conceivably wipe out the need for a carbon tax completely.
Rick Cash // Jan 16, 2011 at 3:27 pm
I agree with Seth, and I am sincerely hoping that someone like the bold leader described will step forward to join the BC NDP leadership race. So far, no one looks like that bold new leader we all need.
Maybe it’s Seth.
Or maybe it’s Nathan Cullen, MP from the North Coast. I have been lobbying him to consider entering, because he seems to me to be the most obvious. If you think so too, why not help give Nathan a nudge?
Carmela Allevato // Jan 16, 2011 at 9:36 am
Seth for premier!
Gary Warburton // Jan 14, 2011 at 9:56 pm
I just watched Iglika Ivanova give a speech and you know she`s right about the way business should be doing things and the aims of society in that nobody should be left behind. However we must also not lose sight of reality. Many on the left are all about ideals at the expense of reality. Which is why we rarely form government. Its fine to say we believe in this and we plan to stick to it but we live in the real world. A business doesn`t succeed unless it makes a profit. I think where the right fails though is they use a term called maximizing profits. What they mean is anything that stands in the way of achieving this goal must go. Its all about making as much money as possible as quickly as possible.
You know when Einstein was asked what was more important: “Imagination or Intelligence” he didn`t hesitate when he said: “Imagination”. This is what I believe in: We start businesses because we have dreams, we have interests, things that we like to do. Not every left winger wants to save the people of Haiti and eat granola bars. I hate granola bars.
Elon Musk is an example doing a business that he loves, Space. He believes that human beings should be a multi planets species. He has said many times if I wanted to make lots building rockets is not what I`d do. Its hard. Yet in his headquarters in California everyone is treated equal Mr. Musk has a cubical just like everyone else. Everyone can talk everyone anyelse anytime they want even Mr. Musk. People can get a snack or meal free anytime they want. Space is not the only thing Mr. Musk does, he has a car company called Testla motors that makes electric cars that run on rechargable lithium batteries that 250 miles between charges. This year he comes out with his S-car next year he plans a cheap model that everyone can afford. He also sells solar cells for houses. The point of all this is maximizing profits is not what business should be about following dreams is.
Getting good leaders is something the left has been very poor at. Choosing a leader who is inspiring for not just to the left but the right is how we`ll form government. Finding a leader who fosters inspired business is one way we`ll form the next government. I like the the idea of a new Space business for B.C.
Someone who has insprired me in the past is Todd Whitcome of UNBC, a Chemistry Professor. He took on the task of trying to win back the Prince George seat for Prince George after Glen Clark`s demise. He put up a good fight inspite over whelming odds against him. I don`t know if he could be convinced to try again though.
mel lehan // Jan 9, 2011 at 7:17 am
Bravo, Seth.
You have said exactly what I and many, many others believe. It’s time to speak to truth.
People are good. We see that every day .They want to do what is right. Citizens will respond positively to a leader and a Party that shows what the problems are and what it will take to create solutions that benefit people and Mother Earth.
Economic sustainability, and social and economic justice are not only goals to be reached, but are a fun way to travel.
Henry Hightower // Jan 8, 2011 at 12:06 pm
Right on!
I would add something on the democracy deficit.
Retrospectively, a honest investigation of the BC Rail mess, followed by prosecutions of those who paid for the bribes, and others that may come to light with a change of government. We should pick up a few millions that way. Also undoing to the extent possible the damage done to BC Hydro, our rivers, our salmon stocks, our environment, etc.
Prospectively, promise that when new information, changed circumstances or whatever causes a change about a promised policy, explain honestly, promptly and openly the reasons for the change
Robert Kraljii // Jan 8, 2011 at 8:45 am
The truth?
I can’t speak for others, but I need to hear a full throated apology from NDP leadership hopefuls over demonizing the carbon tax, coupled with a plan to improve and expand it.
Fomenting anti-tax rage for short term gain has been a predictable disaster in too many ways to count.
Good column Seth.
Mike Dumler // Jan 7, 2011 at 7:17 pm
I hope all of the NDP BC leadership candidates take up Seth’s challenge. However, rather than doing it for “political rewards”, I want them to dare to be bold and tell us the truth, because it is the right thing to do.
I say this because I fear the next BC NDP leadership contest will be too focused on picking the person thought most likely to lead our party to a political Victory, rather than lead our party back to its principled foundations.
From those foundations, although we have won and lost elections like other political parties, more importantly (in my view), we have been the party at the forefront of every major progressive advance in public policy. We have been, and I hope we will again be the catalyst for the change, like the changes needed to meet the very serious environmental and economical challenges Seth talks about.
Robert Hagman // Jan 7, 2011 at 6:03 pm
I couldn’t agree more! It has never been about ‘speaking truth to power’ but simply ‘speaking truth(s)’ because those in power are certainly aware of the truth.
We are long overdue for a populist type of politican who will speak ‘uncomfortable truths’ with some sort of passion and feeling. Who will challenge the many myths that serve to mold public opinion and divert public attention from the many realities that demand resolution.
To do so we need to get those we elect to listen to their electorate first and only secondarily the ‘party strategists’ and for those elected to stand apart from party politics if that is what listening and following their electorate demands.
Anything less is to continue with the decline in voter turnout as more and more people become alienated.
Murray Martin // Jan 7, 2011 at 5:33 pm
Good observations Seth, but I would like to add two more to the list.
We need leaders that have the courage to say that inequality is the root of many of our current problems.
Which politician has the courage to say that we need to increase taxation on the top 1% of income earners?
Maxwell A. Cameron // Jan 7, 2011 at 5:06 pm
Bravo, Seth. I could not agree more. We need politicians with the wisdom to speak to us with honesty, compassion, and truthfulness. And perhaps we need political institutions that do a better job of encouraging such wisdom among politicians and voters alike. Thanks for saying what needs to be said. — Max Cameron
Tweets that mention A Challenge to BC’s Leadership Candidates: Dare to Be Bold and to Tell Us the Truth | CCPA Policy Note -- Topsy.com // Jan 5, 2011 at 9:26 pm
[...] This post was mentioned on Twitter by Alexandria Mitchell. Alexandria Mitchell said: RT @triadonaldson: A Challenge to BC’s Leadership Candidates: Dare to Be Bold and to Tell Us the Truth http://ow.ly/3z8EN #bcpoli [...]
klem // Jan 5, 2011 at 8:54 am
The lies the BC government told the public worked. Too bad the carbon tax can’t be repealed. Even if a government wins an election based on repealing the carbon tax, they will not do it and simply trick everyone. BC is the laughing stock of the whole country. Sucks to be a BC’er. Cheers.
kat // Jan 14, 2011 at 4:21 pm
Sorry, “it sucks to be a BC’er”?!?!
No, politics is shady evereywhere, NEWSFLASH.
I think that in BC we have a leg up on other provinces, as it is part of our LEGISLATION that BCers can petition against and recall politicians and legislation we dont like (collectively)
BC is not the laughing stock, instead i would suggest that we are the envy of most provinces! we have an electorate that is mainly progressive, we are the most desirable place to live in, and we have an economic base that is adaptable to most changes. where will alberta be when we no longer need fossil fuels?
Not only that but the carbon tax is not so bad. i would rather pay into a tax that penalizes large companies, and big carbon users than a harmonized tax that shovels my money into rich corporate hands….
No, you have it all wrong, it sucks to be stuck in a province where you have no say, and democracy is simply an athsetic courtesy.
klem // Aug 10, 2011 at 3:36 pm
“BC is not the laughing stock, instead i would suggest that we are the envy of most provinces!”
Ah, and you’d be wrong.
Cheers