Messiahs and the Regimented Mind

Michael Temelini on Radio Noon

CBC Radio Noon today featured Mike Temelini as the guest for Cross Talk - the subject politics. Anything went.

During the course of the discussion a caller suggested that Newfoundland and Labrador has a history of seeking political messiahs. Danny Williams, Brian Tobin, and Joey Smallwood were used as examples. Temelini took exception to that and suggested that instead of a messiah we were simply rallying behind a leader - similar to voters in Quebec.

Generally I found Temelini fairly comfortable with Newfoundland and Labrador affairs and as a native Ontarian fairly sensitive to our unique circumstances.

Our Political Messiahs

On the issue of Messiahs I found Temelini a little naive - in that our culture is that of regimented thinking. Not questioning priests - doctors - school principals etc. is the norm or has been. We generally recognize an authority usually somebody with a professional designation or a millionaire and think "they know what they are doing".

This is diminishing with the age of technology and educated youth. We are challenging authority and asking questions.

Unfortunately since Confederation and Joey we have seen Ottawa as a Messiah and an authority - not to question - but to accept the wisdom delivered. We have started questioning this and now we are honing in on the problems with this federation and the destruction to our culture - economy - rural living - resources - and our self esteem.

The Regimented Mind

Today on the same program one caller fell into that trap and started to defend Ottawa and suggest it is unfair for us to ask for more. Particularly the caller was referring to equalization and fiscal capacity. The caller suggested the reason the provincial Liberals did not seek similar changes in their long duration in power was that we should not expect to get more than what the formula suggests.

First this is to accept that the equation reasonably assesses fiscal capacity - second it is to regiment thoughts and fall in line versus being creative and maximizing our benefits. The latter is what Quebec has been so successful in doing. Then there is the whole idea of accepting it even if it is fair - why not fight for more - the others will.

When one looks critically at the economies of Alberta and Ontario and suggests that temporary oil revenues places Newfoundland and Labrador ahead of these two provinces within a couple of years is in denial. The selections of one formula hardly measures a true fiscal position and worse if applied will place us forever in a recipient position. The fact that any of our people accept it let alone defend it tells me that Ottawa remains a Messiah to a regimented mind and not the opinion of an independent thinker.

An examination of Fiscal Capacity and Maximising the Equalization Formula in an upcoming post.

Simms misses the point in Telegram article

NEW POLITICAL PARTIES MIGHT BE THE SOLUTION

Randy Simms began his preamble this morning talking about a story in the Telegram - Saturday. He described the story almost perfectly. Tuning Out - MUN prof worries about scandal impact on coming election - talks about the growing concern that October may see voters staying home instead of voting because of the HOA scandal and the way politicians are responding to it.

Randy went on to talk about what poli-sci professor Michael Temelini had to say about finding a solution. He pretty much read the piece paragraph by paragraph and asked callers to weigh in on what was said.

Only problem is Randy left out one very important sentence - and one which would generate response from the audience. Here it is from the Telegram

Temelini said if the province’s constituents are so incensed with the involvement of the existing political parties in the constituency overspending scandal, maybe they should look at establishing new parties.

The problem in Newfoundland and Labrador has been the absence of other political parties - ones without federal ties. The other issue is the failure of the NDP to make significant gains in the province regardless of the situation. They are crippled more when people like Leo Puddister (ex NAPE boss) says he would like to run for Danny and Ron Smith (paperworkers union in Grand Falls-Windsor) has announced he is seeking the Tory candidacy in that area.

In Newfoundland and Labrador the Liberals and the Tories are pretty much the same - with the big corporate donors from the resource sectors such as fish - forests - oil and gas - and mines with the balance coming from the bankers and construction giants - picking the next savior for one side or the other. When Danny's star fades a bit more there will be names popping up as the future leader - propped up by the corporate elite with subtle messages.

This election might tell if the Labrador Party has any legs - it came pretty close last time around against Lake Melville MHA John Hickey.

The people may be ready for another party now - but I for one would like to hear what more have to say on the matter. It is also time for public finding of elections where the party receives so much cash for every vote they get. This has allowed - on the federal scene - the Green Party to have some money to build and the ability to put out their message. In a democracy - knowledge is important - and the more groups we have distributing policy suggestions and vision - the better off we are.

With the apathy in the voting public - partially because the electorate does not want to support any of the parties - the suggestion the professor made might be a good one. The question is why Randy did not mention this important part of the story. Think about it - as a talk show host - that would bring comment - pro and con.