Writing about the political paralysis facing our neighbours to the south, a paralysis many observers believe has worsened over the past year, Slate's Jacob Weisberg points a finger at one suspect - or group of suspects - who often escapes scott-free.
We the people.
This
very provocative piece, Weisberg suggests that instead of blaming various politicians or cable news stations, the American public needs to stop simultaneously demanding then rejecting change on any number of issues (witness health care, climate change, economic stimulus). To quote from his piece, "our collective illogic is mostly negligent rather than militant... we like the idea of hard choices in theory [but] when was the last time we made one in reality?"
It's a good question. And how are we faring here? As at least one writer
points out, we don't really do the tea party thing. We'd rather just stew in the status quo. Earlier this year, columnist Gary Mason
almost pleaded that we engage in some discussion on the host of long-term challenges that confront us - from healthcare to pensions to the environment.
That said, there are plenty of movements afoot, nearly all of them citizen-led. Last weekend,
a group assembled in Edmonton to advance discussions on Alberta's future. Next week,
another will gather in Toronto to figure out how to strengthen relationships between people and civic institutions. In March,
others will meet in Ottawa to plan for Canada's 150th birthday, and later in March,
another group will do the same. Type
TEDx into Google and you'll see lots of Canadian discussions in the works.
And here at Samara, we're
doing what we can to get at the disconnect among politicians, our media and citizens. Please stay tuned. Advice, ideas always welcome.
Labels: apathy, Change Camp, Conference on Alberta's Future, featured, Gary Mason, Jacob Weisberg, John Ibbitson, media and citizens, sesquicentennial, Slate, TEDxTO
Perhaps in keeping with Ottawa's
recent nomination as among the "most intelligent places to live," I've stumbled across a few events, coming to a national capital near you, that look interesting.
First, IPAC and MASSLBP are turning their
minds to the future - 2017 to be exact. That year marks the 150th anniversary of Canada and they
rightfully want us thinking now about how we'll celebrate. The event includes a fabulous
roster of speakers, including Peter Aykroyd (yes, that's Dan's dad), who helped organize our 100th in 1967, Mary Simon on the north and U of T prof (and Samara advisory board member) Sujit Choudhry on demographics and democracy. It's March 11-12 and you can register
here.
Second, Canada2020 is hosting a free debate on the 2010 federal budget on February 3. As one MP we interviewed said, "the most important public policy document of any government is the budget," so it's worth considering the challenges involved in deciding what goes in it. Registration info is
here.
In addition, Shawn Atleo, the National Chief of the Assembly of First Nations will address Ottawa's Canadian Club on February 9, and US Ambassador to Canada David Jacobson will do the same on March 9. Info available
here.
Sadly I'm stuck in Ontario's provincial capital; however, if any readers can attend and
share a dispatch, I'd be grateful. If you want, I'll post it here too.
Labels: brain candy, Canada2020, Canadian Club, featured, IPAC, Mary Simon, MASSLBP, Ottawa, Peter Aykroyd, sesquicentennial, Sujit Choudhry