The United States of America doesn’t seem to be too united these days. There are some big societal problems festering in America. There are issues on both sides of the political spectrum but the two most recent American tragedies illustrate all too clearly the nasty underbelly of a country founded on the concept of liberty.
The anti-Semitic slaughter in Pittsburgh was committed by some tortured freak who, as it would seem, was inspired by the rhetoric that spews out of the president’s mouth.
The synagogue in question has helped refugees from all over the world find security and freedom from persecution. The gunman was of the view that these refugees would pose a threat to America. No dark skinned people, please. They are rapists and murderers and they carry disease. Make America Great Again!
Of course when the obvious gun question arose, President Donald Trump matter of factly suggested that if the synagogue had armed security personnel at the doors that none of this would have happened. It would seem that restaurants, concert halls, convenience stores, schools, churches and, indeed, all public spaces need armed personnel to protect the public from early death by bullet.
Likewise, the pipe bomb maniac who targeted top Democrat officials and supporters in a clear partisan sicko nationalist plan. Extremism is alive and well in America and I am sure grateful there is no proportional representation there at the state or federal level. It is clear that Neo Nazi and other extremist parties would thrive in the caustic environment that exists in the republic currently.
Meanwhile, here in polite land, we seem to be thriving for the most part.
Personally, I would like to keep it that way and that is why I will be voting to keep first past the post in the electoral reform referendum. I believe it would be difficult to govern with three, four or five parties in the back room bargaining for policy consensus. I want things to get done and first past the post has served us well.
This past weekend, NDP MLA Melanie Mark was campaigning in her Mount Pleasant riding for the pro PR side. She is the minister for advanced education and has huddled with her cabinet colleagues to develop the dubious PR options that are on the ballot. She also has a degree in political science but when asked by reporters to explain the PR options, she was unable to do so. That makes me nervous.
When further asked to explain in the legislature this past Monday afternoon, she was again unable to answer. So began a debate in which Attorney General David Eby began fielding questions from MLA Shirley Bond and MLA Mary Polak on Mark’s behalf. Some simple questions as to what constitutes an urban, rural or semi-urban riding were unanswered in the legislature.
We still don’t know how many MLAs will be elected under PR and the 50-plus-one threshold seems way too low. This will be the third crack at this since 2005 and we have already said no twice.
At the end of this exchange on Monday, Premier John Horgan chimed in: “If any jurisdiction in Canada is well versed in first past the post versus other models, it would be this place right here.” (Hansard, Oct. 19)
I agree. Been there done that. First past the post!
Mike Schneider’s political observations and comments are solely his own.
