Comments on: The game of politics in Canada, the US and the local levels http://hummingbird604.com/2008/08/30/the-game-of-politics-in-canada-the-us-and-the-local-levels/ The personal blog of a Vancouver-based educator in environmental issues Thu, 09 Feb 2012 23:20:05 +0000 hourly 1 http://wordpress.org/?v=3.3 By: Gregor Robertson is the new Mayor-elect of Vancouver « Random Thoughts of a Student of the Environment http://hummingbird604.com/2008/08/30/the-game-of-politics-in-canada-the-us-and-the-local-levels/comment-page-1/#comment-2019 Gregor Robertson is the new Mayor-elect of Vancouver « Random Thoughts of a Student of the Environment Mon, 17 Nov 2008 19:32:45 +0000 http://hummingbird604.wordpress.com/?p=1778#comment-2019 [...] did take to heart the challenge of becoming engaged in their own, local-level, municipal politics (something I was worried about a few months back). Participation in this civic election was unparalleled and that pleases [...] [...] did take to heart the challenge of becoming engaged in their own, local-level, municipal politics (something I was worried about a few months back). Participation in this civic election was unparalleled and that pleases [...]

]]> By: The relevance of the American election for Canada « Random Thoughts of a Student of the Environment http://hummingbird604.com/2008/08/30/the-game-of-politics-in-canada-the-us-and-the-local-levels/comment-page-1/#comment-2018 The relevance of the American election for Canada « Random Thoughts of a Student of the Environment Thu, 30 Oct 2008 06:30:29 +0000 http://hummingbird604.wordpress.com/?p=1778#comment-2018 [...] I recognize that I haven’t written much political stuff recently, with the exception of my posts asking Canadians for more interest in the Canadian Federal election - is it true that the American election is much more relevant for Canadians than the recent Prime [...] [...] I recognize that I haven’t written much political stuff recently, with the exception of my posts asking Canadians for more interest in the Canadian Federal election – is it true that the American election is much more relevant for Canadians than the recent Prime [...]

]]> By: Homelessness Action Week 2008 - October 12th to 19th, 2008 « Random Thoughts of a Student of the Environment http://hummingbird604.com/2008/08/30/the-game-of-politics-in-canada-the-us-and-the-local-levels/comment-page-1/#comment-2017 Homelessness Action Week 2008 - October 12th to 19th, 2008 « Random Thoughts of a Student of the Environment Mon, 08 Sep 2008 15:14:10 +0000 http://hummingbird604.wordpress.com/?p=1778#comment-2017 [...] week, I mentioned that I was worried about the lack of interest in local/Canadian politics and the excessive focus on the US election on Canadian and Vancouverite blogs and on Twitter. Well, with the news of an upcoming Federal election (October 14th, 2008), I am very, VERY happy to [...] [...] week, I mentioned that I was worried about the lack of interest in local/Canadian politics and the excessive focus on the US election on Canadian and Vancouverite blogs and on Twitter. Well, with the news of an upcoming Federal election (October 14th, 2008), I am very, VERY happy to [...]

]]> By: Putting back the public in public policy « Random Thoughts of a Student of the Environment http://hummingbird604.com/2008/08/30/the-game-of-politics-in-canada-the-us-and-the-local-levels/comment-page-1/#comment-2016 Putting back the public in public policy « Random Thoughts of a Student of the Environment Wed, 03 Sep 2008 17:47:22 +0000 http://hummingbird604.wordpress.com/?p=1778#comment-2016 [...] Unfortunately, it would seem as though not everyone is interested in engaging in public participation processes. Earlier last week I voiced my discomfort when I found out that there was much more interest from people who are on Twi.... [...] [...] Unfortunately, it would seem as though not everyone is interested in engaging in public participation processes. Earlier last week I voiced my discomfort when I found out that there was much more interest from people who are on Twi…. [...]

]]> By: Beth http://hummingbird604.com/2008/08/30/the-game-of-politics-in-canada-the-us-and-the-local-levels/comment-page-1/#comment-2013 Beth Tue, 02 Sep 2008 20:17:12 +0000 http://hummingbird604.wordpress.com/?p=1778#comment-2013 When I saw that you said "I’m now in the ballot of the Vancouver Election Contest" I thought you meant you were actually running in the election! Like on Parks Board or something. Looking forward to reading more about Vancouver politics here on HB604! When I saw that you said “I’m now in the ballot of the Vancouver Election Contest” I thought you meant you were actually running in the election! Like on Parks Board or something.

Looking forward to reading more about Vancouver politics here on HB604!

]]> By: Urban dweller http://hummingbird604.com/2008/08/30/the-game-of-politics-in-canada-the-us-and-the-local-levels/comment-page-1/#comment-2015 Urban dweller Tue, 02 Sep 2008 06:54:40 +0000 http://hummingbird604.wordpress.com/?p=1778#comment-2015 There is far too much at stake in our municipal politics and also our federal politics to be worried about American politics. I must admit though Obama is a charismatic candidate and I sure as hell hope he wins. It would be great to get the Dems back in office, just for international reasons alone. By the way Raul, congrats on your first week results in the contest. Keep it up and we'll continue to highlight small business. Our most successful series thus far :) There is far too much at stake in our municipal politics and also our federal politics to be worried about American politics. I must admit though Obama is a charismatic candidate and I sure as hell hope he wins. It would be great to get the Dems back in office, just for international reasons alone.

By the way Raul, congrats on your first week results in the contest. Keep it up and we’ll continue to highlight small business. Our most successful series thus far :)

]]> By: Rebecca http://hummingbird604.com/2008/08/30/the-game-of-politics-in-canada-the-us-and-the-local-levels/comment-page-1/#comment-2014 Rebecca Tue, 02 Sep 2008 06:50:30 +0000 http://hummingbird604.wordpress.com/?p=1778#comment-2014 I stopped paying attention to Vancouver's city hall after Campbell - which coincided with the time I moved into town from Surrey... which is strange and perhaps coincidental. I've been covering politics in some form or another in Vancouver for four years - just not *elections*. There's a big difference. I talk about issues of the day, parks board issues, and also Surrey events - like Paul Hillsdon's council run. It's also important to note that we'll have a federal election on October 14th (or at least it's anticipated to take place then). Vancouverites need not let themselves be bombarded with US politics (however important to int'l affairs) when there's so much going on at home. I stopped paying attention to Vancouver’s city hall after Campbell – which coincided with the time I moved into town from Surrey… which is strange and perhaps coincidental.

I’ve been covering politics in some form or another in Vancouver for four years – just not *elections*. There’s a big difference. I talk about issues of the day, parks board issues, and also Surrey events – like Paul Hillsdon’s council run.

It’s also important to note that we’ll have a federal election on October 14th (or at least it’s anticipated to take place then). Vancouverites need not let themselves be bombarded with US politics (however important to int’l affairs) when there’s so much going on at home.

]]> By: nancy aka money coach http://hummingbird604.com/2008/08/30/the-game-of-politics-in-canada-the-us-and-the-local-levels/comment-page-1/#comment-2012 nancy aka money coach Mon, 01 Sep 2008 01:08:58 +0000 http://hummingbird604.wordpress.com/?p=1778#comment-2012 hear, hear, Raul. As you know, I`ve posted about local political issues, but not all that much about the various contenders. You`ve inspired me, and wouldn`t it be world-changing in itself, if we could create enough ènergy`` around Vancouver politics that we turn out in record numbers (and with any luck, say Yes, We Can Too!) hear, hear, Raul. As you know, I`ve posted about local political issues, but not all that much about the various contenders. You`ve inspired me, and wouldn`t it be world-changing in itself, if we could create enough ènergy“ around Vancouver politics that we turn out in record numbers (and with any luck, say Yes, We Can Too!)

]]> By: isabella mori http://hummingbird604.com/2008/08/30/the-game-of-politics-in-canada-the-us-and-the-local-levels/comment-page-1/#comment-2011 isabella mori Sun, 31 Aug 2008 20:04:37 +0000 http://hummingbird604.wordpress.com/?p=1778#comment-2011 you are totally right, raul, and please keep reminding us about dealing with LOCAL politics. (and yes, i'm saying that even as i'm raging about ms. beauty queen palin). as someone who grew up with the slogal "the personal is political and the political is personal" i'd say we also always need to go a few levels deeper. how we act and express ourselves is always, to some degree, a political act. you are totally right, raul, and please keep reminding us about dealing with LOCAL politics. (and yes, i’m saying that even as i’m raging about ms. beauty queen palin).

as someone who grew up with the slogal “the personal is political and the political is personal” i’d say we also always need to go a few levels deeper. how we act and express ourselves is always, to some degree, a political act.

]]> By: ddrucker http://hummingbird604.com/2008/08/30/the-game-of-politics-in-canada-the-us-and-the-local-levels/comment-page-1/#comment-2010 ddrucker Sun, 31 Aug 2008 07:37:31 +0000 http://hummingbird604.wordpress.com/?p=1778#comment-2010 I just made a very cynical (and somewhat lighthearted) posting about the US elections. Essentially, I hold the US with high esteem, but the US population with very low esteem. With that in mind, I am happy to change the world (and took the first step, I suppose, by voting with my feet after the 2004 elections). I can't wait to be able to vote in local elections. Canadian citizenship is something I will try to get, and I hope you do so as well. Canada needs citizens like you, who will think about the issues and vote (and work) to improve the country. If we were talking about this in the US, I might not offer the same suggestion. I just made a very cynical (and somewhat lighthearted) posting about the US elections. Essentially, I hold the US with high esteem, but the US population with very low esteem.

With that in mind, I am happy to change the world (and took the first step, I suppose, by voting with my feet after the 2004 elections). I can’t wait to be able to vote in local elections. Canadian citizenship is something I will try to get, and I hope you do so as well. Canada needs citizens like you, who will think about the issues and vote (and work) to improve the country. If we were talking about this in the US, I might not offer the same suggestion.

]]> By: raincoaster http://hummingbird604.com/2008/08/30/the-game-of-politics-in-canada-the-us-and-the-local-levels/comment-page-1/#comment-2009 raincoaster Sun, 31 Aug 2008 06:17:01 +0000 http://hummingbird604.wordpress.com/?p=1778#comment-2009 Not to mention the huge amounts of passion and industry that are wasted on worrying about political events over which one has no influence. You could take the same amount of passion and engagement, use it right where you live, and change the world. I saw this so often at Greenpeace. Protest something you have no hope of changing. Get people worked up about it. Go home feeling smug. And never risk, you know, actually changing the world. I dumped my last boyfriend over this "moral masturbation". It's rampant, and it is deliberately used by the government among others as a way to "bleed off" the urge to take action. The government was behind several of the protests we were invited to take part in, protests against the government...because it knew that by allowing people to protest laws that had already been enacted, it was effectively preventing them from protesting bills that were currently on the table. Changing the world: It can be done. But first, you have to find out where you CAN act. Then you have to determine which actions to take. Then you have to follow through on them. Not to mention the huge amounts of passion and industry that are wasted on worrying about political events over which one has no influence. You could take the same amount of passion and engagement, use it right where you live, and change the world.

I saw this so often at Greenpeace. Protest something you have no hope of changing. Get people worked up about it. Go home feeling smug. And never risk, you know, actually changing the world. I dumped my last boyfriend over this “moral masturbation”. It’s rampant, and it is deliberately used by the government among others as a way to “bleed off” the urge to take action. The government was behind several of the protests we were invited to take part in, protests against the government…because it knew that by allowing people to protest laws that had already been enacted, it was effectively preventing them from protesting bills that were currently on the table.

Changing the world: It can be done. But first, you have to find out where you CAN act. Then you have to determine which actions to take. Then you have to follow through on them.

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