Party Pooper.

I hate the party system. 

I could never be part of such a system as I would owe my loyalty to the voters that I would serve NOT a collection of shakers and movers.
I've been asked to get involved several times but Independents usually do not thrive in this system.
Once people are elected they should be representing the people NOT the bloody party.
Parties should be put in the freezer, disbanded, not allowed to influence policy in any way until the next election.

Idealistic I know! 

The parties would have to set and layout their platforms and that is the mandate on which they are voted in and must stick to.
Just think - it could make governing so much more effective than the shameful scenes we see enacted in Parliament, Congress, even at the local level where parties have no place whatsoever.
I know, the back room boys, the vested interests will still weasel away to have their agendas met but at least those agendas will be in the open.

Imagine, governments being held accountable for their promises?!
I really believe that if this started at the local level it would solve many ills.
Voting against a bill or bye-law because the other party proposed it.
Voting against a proposal from the other party just because you have a majority and have to flex your muscles.
They might start voting for items that make sense.

Private members bills would have a better chance of surviving; the party whips could be laid off.

Vancouver City Council, just to use one dysfunctional example, would be precluded from bringing in social engineering projects that suit the mayor's whim if those projects were not part of the platform.
The voters might be more engaged if presented with an accountable, fully costed, platform.
The public might even feel that there are not being ignored for 4 years until the next election comes around and they have to do their duty and vote.

I know, I know, government has to be able to function but it doesn't does it? Look at the U/S of A with a powerless President who can't get his own bills through without wheeling and dealing, something that he is not suited for. Really!
Look at our Parliament with a dictator Prime Minister stacking the benches for his own agenda.
And they all do it no matter their stripe.

Discuss.

A Career in Politics

Getting ready for a career in politics. 
Mr Harper I think I am ready for the Senate. 
Here goes: "I am only human and I make mistakes, I try to do my best for the little people who voted me in and I feel I have let them down, and my family, but most of all myself. 
I am deeply sorry but the rules against embezzlement, bribery and conflict of interest are so hard to understand that my confusion is understandable. 
I hope you can forgive me as I have myself. 
I am deeply sorry and ashamed of myself for getting caught, but I place the blame squarely at the feet of my aides, who have been fired and hit with a law suit requiring their silence. 
I will do better next time". 
How's that? Will I do?