You Say Stephen, I Say Stéphane

What is in a name, or for that matter, what is in a word? Over the weekend, we heard a many, many words from the Liberal candidates, their handlers and the media pundits. For all the talk of renewing the party and new visions, it was old-time politics, working the backrooms and the crowds that gave us a winner. The two front-runners, Bob and Iggy, waged a campaign reminiscent of Martin and Chrétien, while from the back, and then the middle of the pack, the cheval dark took the grand prix.

I admit to liking Bob Rae, if only for him having the gonads to skinny-dip on national TV, but I equally disliked Iggy, the wandering, wondering nomad. But all the chatter about renewing the party and new visions was lost about the time that Findlay and Gerard left the scene. When that old scoundrel, Chrétien, gave his speech Saturday afternoon, I could see that little has changed. The old bugger can still work a crowd, but as the Liberals cheered at his mentioning Harper not keeping his word, and how Liberals always kept theirs, I tore up another membership card. (I tore up my Conservative card last week over the ‘Nation’ motion). I guess Jean forgot about the GST promise a long time ago.

I thought Dryden might have brought some fresh perspective to the campaign, but I think he has taken too many pucks to the head. Being vague about policy and mouthing the old platitudes is not what the next generation wants to hear from their politicians. In fact, I think my generation is tiring from them as well. The Doublespeak continues, and I fear Stéphane, although he chanted new words, is still singing from the old-boys’ song sheet.

The ‘Nation’ boondoggle last week summed up the misuse of words on Parliament Hill. It was bad enough trying to comprehend a nation within a nation, even though we have become accustomed to hearing about First Nations and its many variants over the past years. Then throw in Quebecers and Quebecois and one wonders who they / we are talking about. To wash your hands by finally saying that they themselves know who they are is the lamest explanation in years of Ottawaese. One soon gets an appreciation of why we are a little apathetic about our politics after these last few days.

As we begin to ramp up for the Provincial elections, the rhetoric at this level is starting. Perhaps the three old parties need to wake up and put actions to their words. That the Green Party did so well in the recent by-election should have sent a message to the old guard. The people have concerns and we want them addressed. We want our elected leaders to put action to the promises and forget about simply getting themselves re-elected. The Liberal convention may have started out with some ideals but in the end, they decided that Stéphane had a better chance than Iggy of defeating Harper at the polls. It was as simple as that.

At least on our local level we have a politician (yes, he has morphed into one) who keeps his word. Whether you agree with the 20/20 Vision, version 1.0 or version 2.0, Mayor Vic does what he says. He reminds me a little of another of our local politicians who kept his word, much to the dismay of many. Can you picture a party of Mayor Vic clones cleaning up Ottawa? No more of the Ron Steward fumbling and rubber-stamping of expenses! Vic could even start in Toronto, before he takes off the training wheels. Vic could run as a Liberal, Conservative or whatever party he wants (politicians change stripes very quickly these days). Hell, we could even have a Yellow Party!

At least our Mayor does not mix his words. We would know what is meant by a ‘nation’ and even a Quebecois. There would be no confusion over Stephen or Stéphane on the ballot. Unless Vic’s middle name is Stephano – then all bets are off.