POLITICAL CAMPAIGN
Last year Greg ran as an independent candidate in the Sunshine Coast riding for a seat in the BC legislature...
The following pages outline his ideas and campaign strategy.
A new way of thinking...
a paradigm shift
*select politics menu for trending issues
GREG REID
Greg Reid uses his art and music to connect constituents with his platform of innovative political ideas for direct democracy * in the Sunshine Coast riding [POW] of British Columbia. Voting for Greg is voting for yourselves to have the opportunity to be part of the government .
This new political initiative will allow all voters in our electoral district to continue their democratic experience for years past the brief moment of casting their ballot for MLA in the polling booth on Oct 19
Free Your Vote NOW by voting for Greg Reid, independent candidate. Once elected he will generate a secure phone app voting system for all voters on the Sunshine Coast to vote on every piece of legislation.
INTEGRITY in action!
* Select politics menu for a description of DIRECT DEMOCRACY VOTING
for MLA campaigning with art, music and common sense
Water, Land and Resource Stewardship
Watershed security is important. As an Independent I am campaigning for direct democracy in this riding whereby constituents will vote on all legislation based on the merits of each bill. If I am elected this riding will have the political power to work with government or against them, time and again, for the full term of office.
Starting on Oct 20th, my preliminary role would be to inform constituents and provide resources. I will use my gregreid.website to furnish them with a forum for discussion and interaction regarding each piece of legislation as well as other issues of concern in our riding. Watershed security falls into the latter category. And in all action associated with my office as independent MLA I will represent the people of this riding. We will use a secure and private app to vote on all legislation. I will be the messenger of the public will.
Watershed security is tied to Land and Resource Stewardship. Given that the Canadian constitution acknowledges that all authority comes from the people , I contend that the public is the ultimate authority for the use of crown land and the resources therein. And I quote:
"Canada is a constitutional monarchy and a parliamentary democracy, founded on the rule of law and respect for rights and freedoms. The government acts in the name of the Crown but derives its authority from the Canadian people." - the first paragraph of the introduction to the Canadian Parliamentary system at the House of Commons official website.
Currently the people's power has been usurped by corporate interests, working hand in hand with elected officials. Part of my role as public servant will be the organization of constituents to attack the problem at this level
On the webpage for their all candidates meeting the SUNSHINE COAST CONSERVATION ASSOCIATION portrays a dystopian future given the current political-socio-economic agenda anchored by our political system. I agree with their description. One of the ways to change that trajectory is through using our primary source of political power which is currently lying dormant. If this riding votes independent we will not be absorbed and marginalized by the party system and left without a voice. With 44,000 constituents having an ongoing say in the affairs of this riding, I would like to see these numbers focused on influencing decisions made not only at the legislative level but also at the ministry level where policies are implemented through the efforts of lobbyists working with minister and deputy minister as well as individual MLA's.
I like the idea of a watershed board as an integral part of solving the chronic water supply on the lower peninsula. Given the water shortage issues here on the lower peninsula you can rest assured that the public will want to know more. The SCCA is poised to inform them.
In this fashion I am an advocate for watershed security and an ally for that cause.
Redistribution of Wealth, Civic Responsibility, Accountability
Budgeting and Accounting:
The first step in redistribution...
To begin with, government endeavors to serve the interests of all taxpayers. Imagine if we separated the taxes collected into two groups. 1- taxes collected from all corporate stakeholders including shareholders 2- taxes collected not associated with a corporation. I'll call the first group corporate and the second group public. Imagine if government fiscal policy dictated that corporate interests must be funded exclusively with corporate taxes and public interests with public dollars. This separation would serve to restrict corporations from having public funding. And it would eliminate public funded subsidies. It would discourage reduced corporate tax rates, lower royalty payments, discounted government services for corporations since those are the sources of their government funding.
This is common sense. If a business needs government handouts or preferential treatment to provide goods or services, it is a weak business. It should get its act together or consider becoming a government corporation. Instead, government lets the public fund it!
Redistribution of funding would protect the public from erosion of funds by corporate interests. It would also inform of us how much funding we actually have for social programs. Then, by direct democracy, voting on the merits of proposed legislation, the public can decide how to spend that money.
example one:
The BC government gives subsidies to the LNG [gas fracking] industry, corporations that wish to develop new means of making profit. The government also offers those same industries, royalty rate reductions, discounted electricity prices, exemptions on carbon tax. As it stands now, government is willing to reduce costs and payments for their corporate partners at the expense of the public. This government policy concentrates additional wealth in the hands of those who are already wealthy.
But perhaps fracking is really a bad idea to begin with. Perhaps the public does not approve of investment in the fossil fuel industry. Maybe they need proof that this is the right thing to do. If government and corporate interests decide to proceed without public approval, they must do so without public money. Furthermore, all risk and reparations for environmental damage must be paid by those responsible: the corporate stakeholders, making all partners in this venture fiscally and environmentally accountable for their actions. This should certainly include the shareholders/bondholders. Unethical investing should not be rewarded.
These ideas are part of an integrated new paradigm that encourages all citizens to carefully consider their actions and investments - civic responsibility. So, instead of public funding for corporations, the corporations could sell bonds or initiate an IPO. Wealthy folks have money to invest. If these potential stakeholders feel it is a worthwhile venture the corporation will sell its shares or bonds, and the investors will get a return. This policy saves the public money, re-distributes wealth and introduces ethical and accountable practices.
example two:
The same could be said of pharmaceutical companies that receive public funds to supply narcotics to addicts. It's one thing for the government to want to supply drugs to addicts and another to make the public pay for it. If there is a desire to have public funds involved, why not have a referendum and see what the public wants to donate?
I think that if government and corporations both believe it is a good idea to supply drugs to addicts when the public does not, they should sell the idea to their shareholders. Perhaps lower dividend payments to fund the project and see how that works out. Or perhaps investors would prefer a bond issue or IPO dedicated to this cause.
This basic approach of separating corporate interests from public interests will redistribute wealth. Shareholders and bondholders will consider the company policies and initiatives more carefully when they are footing the bill. Redistribution of wealth - no free ride from public funds.
Advantages:
Corporations and government both benefit from procuring the public's interest. They will better know what goods and services to produce, fostering greater efficiency and earning respect through cooperative policies.
Another boon is the knowledge of how much is available for publicly funded endeavors. Let the people decide what policies are good for them and how much money they want to spend on each one. Perhaps the public is not interested in deficit funding. Maybe they would prefer that government do what successful households do. Only spend what they can afford. We have to pay off our credit cards and loans. Governments just re-finance and/or sell off public assets - an inflationary path or even worse, bankruptcy.
More benefits:
And continuing with this new paradigm, categorizing public vs. corporate initiatives will also call into question the distribution and usage of the raw resources: land, timber, water, minerals in BC [and Canada]. Constitutionally it appears to me that citizens have reasonable claims . Revenues derived from these assets need to be divided up fairly between both classes of citizens: corporate and public. I do not see that happening now. Re-distribute.
Justified Criticism:
Government is all too willing to ignore the public interest when spending money. Have they forgotten that authority to govern is derived from the people. Government needs to be reminded by the public when they are amiss. If we begin to develop better attitudes and appreciation amongst government and both classes of citizens, the day may come when cooperation, inclusion, community and diversity become the fruit of governments labor rather than competition, combat, exclusion and division which are evident everywhere in this fall election.
Reminder
This link will take you to the House of Commons official website. Please read the introductory paragraph. A basic premise of our parliamentary system is the principle that government must be accountable and responsible to the ultimate authority for their power: the people.
GOVERNMENT FAVORS CORPORATE CITIZENS
A look at health conditions in the Sunshine Coast riding
My message is one of hope for all those who are without adequate health services in a province that is unbelievably wealthy by virtue of our vast natural resources. It is almost incomprehensible that the struggles of so many not only exists but continues to grow.
I write these words as both a reminder and an appeal to the very wealthy and powerful for the need to re-distribute rather than concentrate great wealth amongst themselves. The very rich have the greatest capability to influence government at this time. Let us all recall that the role of government is to provide the greatest good for the greatest number. This is the essence of good government. Yet, it clearly is not happening. And it is very important to acknowledge that the general public is not creating this problem - they are the victims in this scenario. Leadership has brought us to this place.
In many ways the struggles for adequate health services affect the same folks that are having difficulty finding suitable housing. As the wealth of our province focuses more and more in the hands of the few, there is less to go around for the general public. This translates into a lack of funding for qualified professionals and programs that could create and develop health services and assistance for those in need. Furthermore the implementation and policies of some existing programs have generated contention within our constituency to the point where compassion for those with the greatest need is disappearing. Some neighborhoods feel threatened by the presence and actions of those receiving health and housing care from current government projects.
So you may well ask, where is the hope I mentioned earlier? It is close at hand and rests in the hands of all the citizens in our riding. On October 19 you can take the first step and vote Greg Reid as your Independent MLA. By doing that, you will hold political power in the BC legislature, and I as your public servant, will provide you with the means to vote not only on health issues, but all matters of government in this province for the full term of office. We will form a powerful lobby group and just like corporations, we will influence the decisions made at the ministry level. This can affect our municipal government decisions as well because municipalities receive funding from the province and fall under the provincial municipal act.
public or private member's bill for BC housing:
AGRICULTURAL-FOREST PLANNED COMMUNITIES
definition of an agricultural forest:
Land usage purposefully planned and developed to redeem a forest area to produce a food supply that reseeds and renews itself once established. Produce is derived from the harmonious growth of carefully selected crops and forest plant life that are symbiotically compatible.
This can also be described as a specific and advanced example of a well-known principle called Agroforestry or Forest Farming
Here are links to introduce some of the basics.
https://www.fs.usda.gov/nac/practices/forest-farming.php
Crossing all political boundaries -
blue - business/investment opportunities
red - music, arts, dance, film, literature, performance development
orange - unique and eco-friendly social housing and community facilities
green - sustainable, organic forestry and agriculture, and green urban living developments
think: colony farm, company town, co-op, commune, university all rolled into one
Funded by all levels of government, private tax-incentive style investing, individual members, citizens at large
These villages will address:
Housing problems
-take the pressure off municipalities and existing affordable housing programs
Social welfare and community assisted living for seniors and disabled
-occupational therapy, gardening, arts and crafts, food preparation, site maintenance
Food Security
-growing food for the community and selling the surplus
-developing agricultural forests on clear-cut areas
Industry
-Sustainable forestry practices
-development of secondary manufacturing sector ie. wood products for export ie. artisan wood products
-development of alternative housing and agricultural practices/technology
-integrated eco/ethical clothing industry and soil renewal
Denica Riadini-Flesch – A Lineage of Craft | WaterBear
Employment/Job creation
-everyone has a job and receives an income
Education
-for all ages, taught by professionals/members of the community
-export our successful model for living to other areas of the province etc.
Mental Health and spiritual development
-support personnel and programs and special housing for all who need counseling and assistance to promote emotional health
partners include provincial and municipal governments, regional districts, private investment, individual investors, members
for the development and settling of - ALR, crown land forests, forest leases zones, deregulated building areas, reclaimed industrial areas, existing private lands including farms
With a vision to reclaim clear cut areas, contaminated sites, poorly managed land, desert and wasteland by establishing self-sustaining agricultural-eco forests in conjunction with the development of ALR with the same ethos.
Hempcrete, alternative building structures built from local wood products.
-Computer printed homes
News : Twente Additive Manufacturing (twente-am.com)
Daniel Pape 604-740-2623
truestarsunshinecoast@gmail.com
Vision for power
with a focus to be fueled with alternative energy projects and clean energy
Features
Complete villages built in park-like settings with detached homes, apartment housing, schools, large community dining hall and higher education campus, health center embracing all forms of treatment disciplines, arts center, sports complex, sports fields, general store, artisan shops, street musicians, murals, hiking/biking trails, foraging, outdoor learning center, swimming and water sports and free transportation system. Gourmet cooking school, music school, art programs, research center. Library of books and films. Singing and dancing every day.
These villages have no social borders. Citizens from all walks of life are welcome. The community is modeled upon natural systems like forests and riparian zones, mountains and plains. Bio-diverse and socially diverse.
Who is eligible?
Everybody!
-Those currently in social programs: low income, seniors, disabled, homeless .
-Those who are ineligible for social programs but have needs not being met.
-All combinations of people - singles, couples, families, extended families that want to live, work and play in a co-operative community environment
-Professional people to fill many of the responsible positions of the community.
-opportunities for advancement based on merit
Here's the outlook on Government housing assistance to the Sunshine Coast:
Housing BC has recently helped the qathet region with over $5 million in subsidies for seniors, low income families, homeless, renters and other folks in difficulty. Over $22 million has been spent and 111 housing units have been built within Powell River for single parents, disabled, homeless, low income families. For the whole sunshine coast BC Housing also has plans for an additional 417 homes.
Nonetheless, the need for housing outstrips what is available and affordable. And, at the local level, there are complaints leveled at BC Housing from the public regarding the implementation and social impact of their programs. It will be up to municipalities to deal with many of these problems. Citizens will have to work with regional and municipal governments to have their grievances addressed.
Anyone who builds a home well understands how bureaucracy and red tape generate higher costs and consume time. The construction industry and municipal planning departments are riddled with requirements and regulations, fully understanding how they raise the cost of construction and lengthen the time of completion.
Yet this inefficiency continues. The end buyer ultimately paying for it in the final price of the home.
It would be possible to build high quality homes at a fraction of the cost in a deregulated area. Until the government and the construction industry as a whole are prepared to accept and allow this to happen, the housing problem has little chance of improvement.
Summary:
Government funding and programs are ongoing for providing affordable housing for everyone yet more and more people are experiencing difficulty finding adequate shelter for their needs. The Province of BC needs to promote a new wave of incentives and deregulations for developers with cutting edge and innovative building programs coupled with community focused housing and innovative agricultural, forest and land reclamation projects. Instead of suppressing the new technologies and bowing to the pressure of status quo housing, our government has to open the doors to the wild and wonderful ideas coming from the private sector while simultaneously allowing the existing construction industry to plod along doing what it does.
The integration of job creation, social services, community planning, housing, harvesting of natural resources, land reclamation, arts and cultural development, is the wave of the future. Satellite self-contained communities of this nature are well represented in the Agricultural-Forest Planned Community proposal.
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More great information on agricultural forests and food sustainability
Transforming food systems with trees and forests - ScienceDirect
HOUSING & Agroforestry
The way it stands right now
Investigating our current form of Government
A few scenarios on HOW WE LIVE in BC.
Definition of CONSUMERISM: the preoccupation of society with the acquisition of consumer goods:
Although many people are becoming increasingly conscious of the environmental impact of consumerism and even though many people can no longer afford it, consumerism is still the predominant lifestyle choice in BC. Highly promoted by media and advertisements. This is the status quo.
At the top of the food chain we find the very wealthy. If you are part of this group you have a great and luxurious life and enough money to do anything you want. You have no real interest in changing the system as long as it doesn't interfere with your lifestyle. You may even realize that the concentration of wealth at the top will eventually kill the goose that laid your golden egg. Protecting the status quo is the best way for you to forestall that.
Then there is a huge group of consumers who are striving to become part of the first group. They believe that this is the purpose of life. They see what the very rich have and long to be part of that crowd. You are so wrapped up in getting there you have little time or patience for anything that interferes with these objectives. Their motto could easily be summed up with the familiar saying: "Those who have the most toys when they die, win".
We also have a big contingency of those who are very aware of what is going on. You have recognized the futility of our current system of government and the failings of consumerism. If you are one of the many people with understanding that the system is flawed and is heading towards dystopia, you see a lack of solutions forthcoming from government. You may be seeking solace in activism or protesting, community living and counterculture, largely trying to shield yourself from having to face the bad effects from the steady collapse of society. You allow yourself to feel OK because you have a social conscience and you're doing the best you can to effect change for the better. Sometimes you tell yourself that things are going not so bad, they could be worse.
Unfortunately, there is a growing number of people that are simply trying to survive by living hand to mouth. If part of this group, you can't make any sense of all the craziness that is going on in the world. You often feel lonely and disconnected. So, you do whatever it takes to get by, moving from one situation to another endeavoring to navigate whatever opportunities that come your way. Hunkering down when you find something, riding it our until things change and then get the hell out of dodge when things start to close in. Survival is your primary concern.
Independent in body and spirit, often close to or off the grid, we have a more reclusive group that lead self-sufficient lives by virtue of setting themselves up through hard work and effort. They believe the best form of government is less government. They usually eschew involvement in social ventures to solve public problems because they took it upon themselves to create an alternative for themselves and family and the protection and maintenance of this takes all their energy. In this way they are able to ignore or diffuse many of the dilemmas that our civilization generates. They may be outspoken when confronted but are as often as not, comfortable just to comment and spectate as things unfold.
Now, let's talk about the kind of government that is responsible for these polarizations. We'll begin with the election of those who will fill the seats in the provincial legislature.
The Role of Political Party Candidates
FIRST TIME CANDIDATES are representatives of their political parties. They are apprenticing with the party, hoping to become full time employees of the government. Their training consists of fulfilling the role of liaison with the public and doing their best to present the platform of their party so that you will elect them. They do not represent you. That is not possible. They have one master, and that is the political party. They are usually very good listeners. However, apprentices have little political power
INCUMBENT CANDIDATES are MLA's, already experienced employees of the government. If they belong to a party, they will be representing the platform of their party just like the apprentices do, only better because they will have more in-depth knowledge of party policy. They know what their masters expect of them: obedience. They are good at public relations and placating their constituents but most likely have little political power. However, if they are part of the cabinet they will have been introduced to the corridors of power and have a clearer understanding of how the government works. All party MLA's share this common awareness: they must be loyal to their party at all times. The truth is simple, they are representing a political party, not you, the public.
MLA's are like the customer service department of a business while rookie candidates are trainees. If they want to collect a paycheck, they conform to party policy and help each 'customer' as best as they can within that framework
The role of Political Parties
Understanding political parties is the key to knowledge of our government.
How it all began:
The word party was not used in the creation of the constitution . Our form of government does not require parties to be fully functional. Although non-essential to the working of government, they have become an accepted institution. The public has been duped into believing that the party system is a core component of democracy but that is false. Political parties concentrate power into the hands of a few and severely limit the public from involvement in legislation and the implementation of statutes. The irony of it is this: our primary democratic moment as a citizen, is electing a party candidate to form a government that has unchecked power, if you will, an oligarchy. Developed by the British colonialists for the about-to-be-formed nation of Canada in the decades preceding confederation, political parties became the vehicle for the elites of society, on both sides of the Atlantic. Government policies could easily be formed within a party system to enable elites to achieve their objective of both wealth and power.
Here's how it works in 2024:
Elites
Elites make political contributions and indirectly or directly fund the campaigns for many candidates as well as the political parties. Elites are very wealthy and powerful people. They own or manage corporations, banks, insurance companies, investment firms. They are heads of unions and not for profit businesses. They can be members of the Privy Council or the sub-committee Treasury Board [arguably, the most powerful political and banking groups in the country]. Could be company board members or directors, union leaders or heads of organizations. When they issue orders, they are used to having them completed by their underlings.
Lobbyists
Lobbyists work for the elites, although elites also directly lobby government themselves, but more secretly. A lobbyist is an individual who advocates for their own self-interest, or the self-interest of an employer during meetings with members of the government. It doesn't take much imagination to see how lobbyists can have a big impact upon government. Nor does it take any imagination to understand that the people that gave money to political campaigns are the same people who are lobbying the government after the election. So where do you think that is going to lead?
Oligarchy - a political system that defeats democratic principles
For more than 200 years, North American governments have been serving the purpose of the elites. The system has been maintained and improved and optimized, the evidence being the concentration of wealth and power in society today. All current studies show that great wealth continues to become more and more entrenched and prevalent in fewer and fewer people. Nonetheless, elites know that this needs to be carefully managed because people are not stupid. So it becomes a balancing act for them. Their desire is to squeeze as much wealth out of the public as they can. They are smart and well know that as long as they give enough crumbs to the public, they can continue to do this. And they use their involvement in government to control and manage this. They keep a close eye and make sure that enough people are satisfied. In this way they control and administer the programs and distribution of goods and services to the people. They have 200 years of experience and a vast network of minions keeping it in place. They employ the power of suggestion and persuasion. They own mainstream media - and it is a huge propaganda machine.
The Proof is in the Pudding
The economic system supported and maintained by government is the central part of our consumer-based society. As long as GDP continues to rise, it works.
However, it is not sustainable, it is almost at the end of a very long run. The reason for this should be obvious to everyone but we avoid talking about it. Eight billion people on the planet competing and striving to consume more and more resources have wreaked havoc upon the earth's systems and they are breaking down. We know it's true, but we are encouraged by mainstream media to focus our attention on other things. Consider what you listen to and what you talk about. Probably everything under the sun except the critical issues surrounding the erosion of society and the collapse of the earth's systems. The present leadership, corporate, governmental and social elites, distract us while they continue to court dystopia. They know where they're going. They also believe that they have the wealth and power to weather the coming storms while you most likely don't. They are very aware that disasters loom on the horizon. They don't want you to think about that. They want you to remain complacent. That way they can conduct business as usual. And when the time comes they will issue draconian orders to control the population, once again. They have the police and military to back them up. Government employees are the first to fall in line. Remember, they are primarily concerned about themselves. They understand that there are many people on social assistance that suck up a lot of resources and are not capable of giving anything back. You know that to be the case as well. So, what do you think the simplest and most direct solution to the problems on our planet will be? You might want to go for the high percentage answer and use Occam's razor. Hint - the simplest answer is also most likely correct. I'll let you puzzle that one out.
How do we prevent this? It begins with you this October 19. Vote Greg Reid, independent.
We, the people can restore democracy and have a constant voice in government from that day onward.
FOR THOSE OF YOU THAT ARE CRITICAL THINKERS AND POLITICALLY AWARE, THIS ELECTION MAY BE THE MOMENT YOU HAVE BEEN WAITING FOR. THIS IS ALSO A DIRECT CALL TO THE MAJORITY OF THE ELECTORATE WHO HAVE STOPPED VOTING. GET INVOLVED NOW WHILE THE OPPORTUNITY TO DO SOMETHING STILL EXISTS. INORDER TO CHANGE THE GAME THE PUBLIC NEEDS TO VOTE, BUT NOT FOR A POLITICAL PARTY. THAT WOULD BE A VOTE FOR ELITISM AND CONTINUATION OF A SYSTEM THAT IS RIGGED AGAINST YOU. VOTE FOR GREG REID INDEPENDENT AND VOTE FOR YOURSELVES. WE, THE SUNSHINE COAST, HAVE THE OPPORTUNITY TO RISE OUT OF THE OBSCURE BACKWATER OF THE POLITICAL LANDSCAPE AND BECOME THE LEADERS FOR THE RESTORATION OF DEMOCRACY. DEFEAT THE TYRANNY OF ELITISM AND OLIGARCHY BY SIMPLY USING YOUR VOTE.
I WILL CONTINUE TO DO THE HEAVY LIFTING AND THE TIME-CONSUMING WORK. I WILL DELIVER THE APP THAT LETS YOU VOTE ON EVERY ISSUE AND I WILL DELIVER YOUR VOTE TO THE LEGISLATURE. IT DOESN'T HAVE TO STOP WHEN YOU LEAVE THE POLLING BOOTH OCTOBER 19. THAT SHOULD BE THE BEGINNING, NOT THE END.
It is important to remember that fundamental values like freedom to live a life on our own terms and allowing those around us to do the same are not something we can take for granted, nor should we assume they will always be there. We saw the way governments around the world used the pandemic as a means of controlling their populations and coerced folks with unpopular measures without their consent
FREEDOM
STEAL IT ALL
Democracy is the best form of government we have been able to imagine if we wish to have a system that is concerned about giving citizens the opportunity to choose who they wish to represent their needs and concerns. Through elections the people select candidates that they feel are the best equipped for building a good society through the handling of tasks and administering the greatest good for the greatest number.
Steal It All is a song describing how corruption creeps into the corridors of power when our leaders are not vigilant or lack integrity .
BIG FAT GREEN VETTING - abstract expression derived from a filming of an informal session of discovery with a local political party June 17, 2024
This fall, I'm running as an independent candidate for the provincial legislature. If elected, I will initiate a new era in politics with the advent of direct democracy. After the election a user friendly and secure phone app will be employed to allow the voting public in the Sunshine Coast riding [POW] to continue their involvement in the decision making of our provincial government for the next four years. By virtue of quickly and easily electronically casting a ballot, they will regularly be able to either ratify or veto legislation put forward by the government. This has never been done before and it represents an opportunity to vote on approximately one hundred bills for the full 4 year term.
Contrast this with the current situation whereby citizens only have a brief democratic moment in the voting booth to select a candidate. Once a selection is made, the voter is marginalized from any meaningful involvement for the next four years, especially if a majority government is elected.
THE IMPACT OF POLITICAL PARTIES
Furthermore, with political parties, successful candidates are not representing their individual ridings. That is not possible. Parties require strict allegiance to the party platform from their members. Keep that in mind when listening to what the candidates are saying.
LOBBYISTS AND CORPORATE INTERESTS
Sometimes corporate, party and public interest align. Nonetheless, during those four years of democratic drought, we will see history repeat itself whereby the needs and wishes of the public are neglected and overridden by the objectives of special interest groups [lobbyists] that have funded the campaigns of many candidates and then apply great pressure, directly and indirectly, to our elected officials, primarily the executive. A partial list of lobbying groups include corporations, trade unions, public unions, financial institutions, insurance companies, environmental groups, associations, foreign countries, delegations, and the Privy Council of Canada. These special [self] interest groups also often hire professional lobbyists to work on their behalf.
THE BUSINESS OF MINISTRIES AND CIVIL SERVICE
One only has to look at the public record to see hundreds of entries for professional lobbyists with government officials in every ministry . Every day, special interest groups are applying pressure to elected and appointed officials. The interests of the people of this province are nowhere to be found as the primary focus of the day to day business of government. The lobbyists have nailed down that position. It is no wonder that only half of the eligible voters voted in the last provincial election. The futility of the existing system is glaringly obvious to those who are willing to honestly evaluate what is going on in government.
THE REALITIES OF DRAFTING LEGISLATION
I have no doubt that many of those who enter politics have honorable and good intentions and feel that they will be able to make a difference. Once elected and integrated into the existing party system of government, they discover that they, like the public, have been marginalized. These MLAs cannot act on their own; if they belong to the majority party they must vote as one on pieces of legislation. Bear in mind that only a handful of people in government control legislation: the executive: that would be the premier and cabinet. Unfortunately, they appear to be dancing with powerful and pervasive forces, the ones that fund political campaigns and parties: the corporate partners.
THE VETO POWER OF DIRECT DEMOCRACY
Consider this. Imagine that the premier and cabinet are persuaded by corporate partners into drafting a very unpopular piece of legislation. One that is truly unwanted by the public and a threat to the quality of life for many citizens throughout BC. This has happened, more times than we may care to admit. By implementing direct democracy and having every citizen who wishes to vote say, yea or nay on the issue, the people of the province form a protective shield around our politicians. The premier and cabinet can no longer be held responsible for the outcome. By proposing the legislation and putting it to a house vote and passing it, they have dutifully performed their duty to the corporate partners. But then it is time for the people to perform theirs – they vote. What then can the lobbyists and corporate interests do if the people veto? How then will they seek revenge - on the whole population? In a true democracy people are an essential ingredient in keeping the government accountable. The shear weight and magnitude of the public are needed to offset the tendency of unchecked power that could corrupt a handful of politicians, placed in a precarious position by the way the political party system functions. This power of the people is guaranteed constitutionally. Never forget that! source:
Canadian Parliamentary System - Our Procedure - ProceduralInfo - House of Commons of Canada (ourcommons.ca)
SUMMMARY
I do hope that I have adequately revealed my message of hope. It is simple, effective, cooperative, innovative and immediately available to the public. We can change this system of oligarchy. It is far easier than one might think, it is completely legal and requires no legislation to begin. The move to reinvolve the public is the essence of democracy and the role of government is to fulfill the social contract between the people and those they have chosen to provide governance. This concept is enshrined in the venerable concept of "the role of government is to provide the greatest good for the greatest number".And the role of the people is straightforward. We are obliged to weigh in when government is making an unwanted decision and defeat the forces that led them down that road. Again and again.
A RECENT EXAMPLE OF FAILURE
Let me close now with a very recent example of failure and betrayal by government and the importance of direct democracy. A great travesty could have been averted. The overwhelming number of citizens in BC recognize the importance of our logging and forestry industry in harvesting a great natural resource that provides essential goods to local and global markets as well as jobs and economic benefits to the province. But very few citizens, including many foresters, wanted to see the magnificent old growth trees decimated for any reason. They were a treasure and a heritage that we wanted to preserve and enjoy for so many good reasons.
If we had direct democracy in place during the last term of government, the trees in Ferry Creek would still be standing The people would have risen up and vetoed the action, rescuing the government from a very bad decision. Instead of tree huggers being thrown in jail, the RCMP would have been blocking access to those responsible for the falling and removal of those trees. The special interest of a very small and ill-intentioned group would have been stopped dead in it's tracks.
CALL TO ACTION
Now I hope the good citizens of BC will hear this message and seize this opportunity to embark on an adventure in better government. For the first time in the history of our province, the public is being invited to take its rightful place in government. The constant presence of a voting public is the essential ingredient to solving the problems of today, healing the errors of the past and creating a better future.
The Rationale for Direct Democracy by Greg Reid
Contact Information
Invite/book Greg to speak and entertain your friends and associates. Sing and dance to the music of the Doppelgang. Join the movement for direct democracy and change our politiical landscape. alterindustries@gmail.com phone 604-414-3016 text 604-208-9980