Working Cooperatively

Having just travelled the Province of Manitoba with Martha Hall Findlay and being the Co-Chair of the Annual General Meeting of the Liberal Party of Canada (Manitoba) I have had the unique pleasure of seeing people in action, watching as our party in Manitoba comes together from the Leadership Process and discerning between what some have called the "princesses" from the "worker bees". I have to tell you for the most part the "down-to-earth-card-carrying-Liberal" want a definite change from the past practise of "no-holds-barred-take-no-prisoners approach" of politics in the Chretien vs Martin/Rock vs Martin years. I also hear from our Manitoba Liberals that they want people to work together and unite to defend and protect our liberal cause together cooperatively. I am an idealist and think the best of people and look to the positive rather than the less than positive. I also realize there are those, although few in numbers, that are still marred in the practises of the past. They just don't get it that in the Post- Gomery era that former ingrained "culture of entitlement to position and status" just is not applicable. A steep learning curve to say the least. I admire and respect the strong leadership here in Manitoba under LPC(M) President Sharon MacArthur and Caucus Chair Ray Simard to bring all the divergent camps and factions together. I also congratulate our new Leader Stephane Dion and his approach with the Outreach Tour and having Martha get out and listen to what the country is saying ..no pollster can even come close to that type of cultivation and recruitment. The task of reconciliation and renewal is not an easy one but a needed one. I for one hope the "warriors of the past" understand their expected new roles and responsibilities and more specifically that "bitchers and complainers from the cheap seats" are no longer wanted in the new liberal culture of renewal and revival. I think the Liberal Party of Canada (Manitoba) can keep this new course but only with proper leadership.