by Matthew Medland
We love to hate our politicians. It can be so easy to blame them for our woes, forasmuch as we evaluate them as individuals, it seldom seems they personally share in the challenges we face. If you are like me, you take comfort in believing your decision about a politician has been made for ‘the right reasons.’
We read the news, listen to debates, mull over policies with the intent of arming our self with knowledge. We aim to scrutinize, reflect, and assess candidates with fair regard to our best interest, and that of our communities. We tell ourselves that our findings are soundly based on liking, or at least agreeing with their policies, or not. We explain away our dislike of a politician because they are corrupt, they abuse their power, or we are certain they will implement policies that we oppose. We reason that they will make our lives more difficult, in those and umpteen other ways. No question that policies, and past examples of personal character are important considerations; often though, it’s simpler than that.
(Editor’s comment: It, after all, is a paradoxical conundrum – I am expected to make a personal choice while maintaining the homodox: social one-mindedness.)
It’s about what our friends say, or the way a politician looks. Here, Steve Paikin (The Agenda) has a go at frankly addressing these ‘intangibles:’
“It's not far-fetched to think that some Torontonians found former mayor Rob Ford particularly offensive, for example, not simply because of the outlandish things he said, but because of the way he looked (overweight, red-faced, sweating) as he said them. That's not to say his lies would've been any better tolerated if he were trim and handsome, but it would be foolish to contend that looks don't sometimes
colour our impressions. It's not right, but it's human. For some people, Wynne's sexual orientation is an issue. It might not be "the" reason why she is currently so embarrassingly unpopular in the province, but for some people, it affects their overall impression of her, amplifying their anger. Not everyone, but some.”
Yes, sometimes we really do make decisions that are based on very superficial observations. We just don’t like to admit it. And, too often, we do not vote for someone – we vote against someone else, or to ‘punish’ their opponent. I expect the impending Provincial Election will tally more than a few ballots ticked off by such voters. The 2016 U.S. Presidential Election was a battle between two highly unpopular candidates. I contend that the voters lost, and democracy was devalued.
We, in Ontario, seem to be headed in the same direction. There are many who do not approve of our
current Provincial Government, in fact, 88 percent don’t. But, only 40 percent of Ontarians currently support new Progressive Conservative leader Doug Ford, and fewer still who plan to vote NDP. That means many voters are likely pessimistic about either of these leadership choices, and it is reflected in opinion polls.
The approval of Kathleen Wynne’s Government has hit a 12 percent low. That’s not a rapid ‘freefall’ from popularity, and it’s not based on a single poll alone. Trust in her leadership, or at least that of the Liberal Party, has been dropping steadily since 2014. Hmmm, I suppose that’s since her government came to power. I am always amazed at the ways politicians can hang on to power, even after they have clearly lost the support of the populace they are duty-bound to represent.
Our current Liberal Administration now holds the lowest approval rating for any Ontario Provincial Government, EVER! Previously, that distinction sat with Bob Rae’s New Democratic government; they managed a support rate of 15 percent, towards the end of their term. Still, Kathleen Wynne hangs on! Power, it seems, is a drug not many easily give up. But, this is an election year, and many expected this dissatisfaction would unseat her.
Except it appears now the contest has been turned on its head, and it may be a race to the bottom.
How can we feel good about who we vote for? You might be happier with your choice after taking time to think through the options. So, if you aren’t sure, research an issue or two. Imagine you had opportunity to ask a question of a politician, what would it be? Likely, you wouldn’t ask about their hair, their clothing, or even their favourite sports team, so don’t let those factors be the basis of your decision. I’m inclined to think that you’d ask about an ‘issue.’
Remember politicians are people. And, in my opinion, most do work hard, have integrity and ran for
office with the best interests of their constituents in mind. I have met many of them and am usually delighted to find they truly are “public servants.” Whatever your thoughts, however you arrive at a choice, do make up your mind before you cast your ballot.
This may not be the easiest election ever, it may be a stress and angst filled time for us. Despite all that, be sure to inform yourself, and ask questions. and vote, on June 7th. To vote is a right not
everyone in the world gets to enjoy. Treat the process, and the
privilege, of voting with respect.