POLARIZATION SPEAKS TO LIBERAL DEMOCRAT FUTURE

I was going to write a post specifically about last weekend Liberal Convention.

However, after thumbing through the yesterday's The Telegram, two political stories, one about the Grit Convention, the other about the Republican Primaries, refocused my attention on the continuing Americanization of Canadian politics.

Anyone who reads my scribblings knows that I am not a Conservative. I loathe ideological right wing Conservatives. There is very little in that agenda that appeals to me...and lots that scares me. Sensational, perhaps, but that is how I feel. The Conservative Party of Canada counts on an ideological block as it's base. It pays attention to that base to ensure that any tweaks, or entrants to moderate Conservatives or red Liberals, do  not jeopardize that all important ideological base.

These are the people that can be counted on to get out and vote and they dig deep to share their treasure with the Conservative Party. They are the engine that keeps perpetual campaign train moving.

The Liberals really do not have an ideological base to draw from. I have been a life-long supporter of the Liberal Party, in particular the strong federalist approach of Trudeau and Jean Chretien. I was less comfortable with Paul Martin - perhaps because of the zealous approach of his supporters, and found myself supporting the NDP candidates in my federal riding of St. John's East over the past two trips to the polls. The lefter wing of the NDP makes me almost as uncomfortable as the right wing of the Conservative Party.  I guess that means, that when it comes right down to it the middle of-the-road, pragmatic middle is where this post-politcal animal is most comfortable.

The problem, perhaps challenge, is that our politics is becoming more and more polarized. Perhaps it signals a return to the two party system of sorts - a united right and a divided left.  Where does this leave people like me, who until 2003, were quite comfortable voting liberal?

Yesterdays coverage of the Liberal Convention focused on change. A new young fresh president juxtaposed against the experience known former Liberal Cabinet Minister Shelia Copps. New policies designed to be attractive to potential supporters, the inclusion of an American Primary " like" voting system for Liberal supporters and a policy to legalize marijuana.

At the root of the weed issue is an attempt to look hip and realized. Previous Liberal governments had relaxed the laws on pot possession and was on the road to possible decriminalization. The Conservatives on the other hand have take an ideological detour from the previous government. The are beefing up the laws, penalties and places to herd those evil dope smoking types.  A great wedge issue to be sure.

Marijuana is the perfect example of the ideological divide between the united right and the left. Can a little weed help the Liberals retake new ground?

Or does it just point out the need for the left to reflect on the common elements of their beliefs, to begin  the process of forming a Liberal Democrat Party to provide a balance to a united right that is governing this country with the support of less than 40% of the electorate!