In praise of socialism

Socialism – how delightful it has re-emerged. Just as politics was starting to look mundane, with political parties arguing over who is more beige, suddenly ideology is back in the mix. Who ever thought politicians lacked principles, boy were you wrong! Why just look at Jack Layton walking into Parliament today with a copy of Socialism for Beginners under his arm. And then in Question Period, there was Gilles Duceppe speaking passionately about separatism while subtly, one could say silently, thanking his good graces for having a federal pension.

The summer break has treated everyone well and has ushered in a whole new tone. Why, just last June, Michael Ignatieff and Stephen Harper were at each others' throats arguing over something as innocuous as a “blue ribbon panel on EI reform”. Today, Michael was praising Stephen for his “new found love of socialism” for introducing improvements to EI. Clearly, Michael was so moved that Stephen had listened to him.

I have to confess a certain cynicism leading to today. There I was waiting for another commentary by Preston Manning lamenting the absence of democracy by conjuring up memories the 1988 Reform Party platform for more grass, more roots and more politicians working for the voters. Although, Preston is too diplomatic to say, but his commentaries have made clear his disappointment that not only has Stephen abandoned democracy, but that Stephen has quashed the very platform he was so instrumental in creating two decades ago. Looking forward to Preston nauseating inner voice, you can imagine my delight when Stephen showed that he has been listening, that he has been consulting with voters all summers. He heard the call. The call said “Make Parliament Work!”. Stephen delivered.

Hindsight is 20/20 but I should have seen it coming weeks ago. The rain finally left Ottawa sparkling, the humidity evaporate - one could say that the air around Parliament had cleared. There was Jack Layton walking up Parliament Hill to meet with Stephen Harper, and behind him stood scores, at least three, Liberals all dress in their golf shirts and Mexx suits and red blouses with signs of encouragement. Of course the media got it all wrong (don't they always?), and reported that these were protesters, but have you ever seen such a finely tailored group of protesters?

Perhaps in this new atmosphere of co-cooperativeness, the decorum, pomp and respect will return to Parliament. Poor Peter Milliken has had to work so hard to teach Members how to behave. Now, the Members can work on their wit and the elegance of the speak, instead of their scowls and non-profane retorts.

Such praise for socialism must be the invisible hand of J.S. Woodsworth at work.

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