The upcoming Canadian federal election has given me cause to think about politics and democracy. Why do we have politicians? What is their role in society? How does politics further the cause of democracy?
I worked with politicians at the municipal level for 34 years as a city planner. When I started my career back in 1975, municipal politics was a "part-time job"…..politicians were paid what was essentially an honorarium to cover their expenses, and they continued to hold regular employment elsewhere to support their families. It was a tough job, balancing their commitment to their family with their responsibilities to the public. So, why did they do it? Well, my observation was that they did it as a public service…..they wanted to have an impact on their community, make it a better place in which to live. Few municipal politicians had visions of a political career. They wanted to put in a term or two on City Council during which they could make a contribution to society. There was no pot of gold at the end of the rainbow, no insatiable desire for power or fame. Like a person who volunteers at the local food bank, social service organization or community organization, they felt a responsibility to contribute their time and effort to something worthwhile, something meaningful. Admirable goals for any person……something we should all be doing.
Why am I discussing municipal politics in the advent of the Federal election? Am I suggesting that politicians should have their salaries dramatically reduced in a return to the old days? No, I'm only mentioning it to demonstrate how politics as a field of endeavour has change so dramatically over the past 40 years. Why has it changed? Because the goals and aspirations of many politicians has changed. Many people now see politics not merely as a public service, but as a career. Why is this a problem? Everyone wants to pursue a career of some sort, why should politics be any different? The answer is not in the nature of the job itself, but in the aspirations of the individuals. Ask any politician why they entered politics….they will tell you that it was to make a difference. But what the public observes is quite different. They see too many people with aspirations of fame and glory, using politics as a stepping stone to power and influence. They see individuals willing to compromise their principles to get ahead. They see political parties more concerned about getting in and staying in power than working together with other elected officials to run the country. Watch televised sessions of any nation's government in action, what do you see? Petty infighting, name calling, one-upmanship, personal agendas, appeasing special interest groups and "rewarding" those who provided financial support to their election campaign. What about cooperation? Putting the needs of the public first? Standing behind their principles and pursuing justice and fairness? These things are far too often "collateral damage" in the drive for the top.
It sounds very "doom and gloom" doesn't it? Is there no hope for politicians? To the contrary, we just have to take a step back and remember why government exists in a democratic country. Politicians are public servants, like any other government employee. They need to be reminded that they are there to advance the public good, to stand up for the things they believe in….often the very same things that got them elected in the first place. Once the election is over, it's time to put aside party politics and work together to serve the public. Party and campaign platforms need to take a back seat to running the country. Yes, the opposition parties must be there to keep the government on its toes, to introduce a "second sober thought" to legislative change and public policy. But they can do it in a constructive way, instead of attacking each other like overgrown children in a playground. The public good MUST ALWAYS TAKE PRECEDENCE over party policy.
How can we make that happen? Speak up, make yourself heard. Tell your politicians to stop behaving like spoiled children and do the job we are paying them to do. And remember, living in a democratic country is a not a right, it is a privilege. Democracy can only survive under the watchful eye of a vigilant and informed electorate. Stop putting politicians on a pedestal, they are human beings with flaws just like all of us (yes, including Presidents and Prime Ministers).
You can make sure politicians do their job by doing YOUR job. Speak with our votes and with our voices to make sure that the public good is always front and centre in any debate, bill or law. It is not only your right, it is your responsibility.
