Crisis in the Liberal Party

The recent quotes by Martha Hall Findlay and former LPC President Stephen LeDrew about the LPC "inability to raise money" and "donor fatigue" are right on the mark. Under the new guidelines it is becoming more and more evident, to this writer anyways, that we as a political party have not stepped up to the challenge we gave ourselves and the country in 2003. Over the past few months I have had the opportunity to chat with Liberals across the country and we all agree we need to change the way we operate. I am becoming very, very concerned with the direction of the party and the manner with which our PTA's and National Executive operate and address this new Canadian political environment. The fact that after 7 months our leadership candidates still have a combined debt of over 3.2 million AND no national plan for helping them out is disrespectful to them and each one of us. Under the new legislation it is all about the individual with no more corporate donors allowed. We as a party still have not adjusted and we, under Prime Minister Jean Chretien, are the ones that brought this in 2003. In 2007 we should be refocused, retooled and turning to the individual. Sadly we have diminished to the point that we are pointing fingers, casting blame and loosing time and energy on inconsequential efforts. We need worker bees, phoners and door to door canvassers, we need a strong foundation of party members across the country, we need to encourage a new openness in the political process and we MUST have a 'bottom up" approach to the entire political party organizational process. Gone are the days when guys with lists went to big donors the day before the election and said "help us and we will help you". With that "ask" gone so to are the days when the "backroom boys" dictated Liberal policy, procedure and personnel. Plebiscites, one member one vote, petitions, tabled votes are the new marching orders.

We must enlist the membership, encourage a new wave of liberalism and move into the 21st century thinking of open and transparent politics.

Here in Manitoba, Liberal Membership is down, fundraising efforts are few and far between and participation in PTA meetings, AGM's and Nomination Meetings is down.

When will we as a party "get it" ?
When will we shift our thinking and begin acting the way of the new Canadian Political paradigm?
What do we need to do to get ahead of the NDP (Last Quarter they beat us in fundraising )?

FREE Hugs

A gal, Emma , I work with whom is just a "peach" of a lady and has taken the lack of respect ion the world into her own hands and helped raise awareness to "sharing more love and happiness" in the world. See what she started on the luckiest day of the millennium 07-07-07 on her video . I invite everyone to join her in her campaign to share a little more love - world wide. Westerners and Peggers will note her video is filmed here at Canada's Centre - The Forks in Winnipeg.
With gals like Emma around it is easy to think that a better future is ahead for our world!!!
Thanks Em!!!

140 years Strong!!

Our Country, Canada, is 140 years old. The saga of how we became the Dominion of Canada and later how we Repatriated ourselves with our own Constitution and Charter of Rights and Freedoms in 1982 is an interesting one. Several times before 1867 we tried to bring all the different regions together 1837 and 1838 saw French and English unite then in 1847 the same but all leading to differences not common interests creating divisions and noot agreements. Several Cities wanted to become the Capital but Ottawa became the final choice. Later Louis Riel would try to start another Republic ..the Republic of Manitobah only to have the Conservatives and Sir John A label him a criminal and treasonist. Newfoundland finally came aboard and here we are 2007. Our country has seen many a fight, a skirmish and a uniting cause such as the Canada Russia Super Series of 1972, World Wars and Quebec Separation but the most amazing "idea" that unites us from BC to Newfoundland is that we are still together and looking at a better future in 2007. I am proud to celebrate our birthday at the Forks in the Centre of Canada and happy to wish each and every one of my fellow Canadians, 31 million strong, Happy Birthday Canada and fellow Canadians!!