A lesser of evils?

June 7

My husband and I chuckled the other day, remembering the last federal election. We had, at one point, seriously considered voting for the Alliance party. We had both voted for the Liberal party in previous elections. But we had become tired of two terms of the same party; dissatisfied by the lack of any meaningful opposition to the Liberals, and fed-up with the arrogance that had set into a party that dominated parliament. We were excited at the prospects of a 'new' party - the Alliance, and its quirky unknown leader, Stockwell Day. The negative Liberal ads against the Alliance, and Mr. Day's personal beliefs, in particular, were a turn-off, and reflected the hateful smugness of the Liberals. And while the Alliance campaign seemed to be energized early on in the election campaign, subsequent poor management pointed to a party not quite ready for prime time. We held our noses and voted Liberal. With time, we came to know more about Mr. Day and the Alliance, realizing that the party was too narrow-minded. The ensuing implosion of the Alliance reflected the sad state of divisiveness within the opposition -- leaving Canadians with a paucity of alternatives to choose from.

As I watched Stephen Harper unveil the new Conservative party platform, it seemed like déjà vu. Of course, Mr. Harper is no Stockwell Day. In fact, Mr. Day has yet to be seen, or heard during this campaign. Polls now show that Canadians are willing to elect a party -- formed just month ago -- with a relatively unknown leader that has been at the helm for less than two years. A facelift of the Reform gave us the Alliance and Mr. Day. And now a rushed fusion of the Progressive Conservatives and the Alliance give us a new party with essentially the same politicians of the Alliance. Is the merger solid, or will it, too implode only afterwards?

Two features of the Conservatives' media show on Saturday made me realize the similarity of politicians -- regardless of party affiliation. They seem to all rely on the same modus operandi, without at once thinking of the hypocrisy involved.

It was troublesome to see the face of Peter MacKay featured prominently in the Harper machine. This is the same man who made a solemn, written promise at the PC leadership convention not to merge with the Alliance. At least Dalton McGuinty broke his word after the election. Yet, how can Mr. MacKay seriously promise anything, after having shown that his solemn words count for nothing? Yet the Conservatives are basing their mandate on accountability, saying that Canadians should demand better. We should.

The Toronto press conference also showed Mr. Harper scolding Mr. Martin for getting Normandy and Norway mixed up. Yet it was just a few months ago that Mr. Harper sent letters of congratulations to aboriginal leaders for an anniversary of independence. Someone forgot to tell him that it was the anniversary of India, and not that of "Indians." Someone should have also reminded him that "Indians" is a pejorative term for our aboriginal communities.

The cynicism was punctuated by one of the more meaningful events thus far in the campaign: a youth forum held in Newfoundland, where young voters across the country were given a chance to ask questions of the political leaders. Stephen Harper and Gilles Duceppe were inexplicably no-shows. While Paul Martin stuck passionately to policy, Jack Layton charmed the crowd with his wit and humour. However, it was the youthful audience that provided optimism of an electorate that is engaged and thoughtful. This can only make our politicians better.

This week, I will study the platforms of the various parties. The Conservatives plan to cut taxes and increase spending on key areas. This can only happen by making cuts to social programs and/or sending the country into deficit. As a mother of three small children, I do not want to see them inherit the debts of our generation. On the other hand, the NDP seeks to put more into government spending -- in a manner that I find untenable. Perhaps the Liberals do offer the middle way. Yet, like the last election, their arrogance, scandals, and the general lack of accountability are a turnoff.

Choosing a suitable candidate almost boils down to a choice of the lesser evils, rather than a pro-active choice based on trust of politicians. It will be a difficult choice.