Dear Michelle,
Thanks very much for your recent email, your communication efforts during your campaign have been notable- well done! (please see below for her email)
I believe I share your view that public service is a meaningful quest and that passionate people are a good fit for politics. Despite our shared ground though, your last email made me uneasy. I fear your choice of language and political rhetoric run the risk of being at best intellectual sloppiness and at worst a reason young (ish) people like myself are easily dis-allusioned with the political process. I want to believe in our institutions but I don’t want to be part of political culture which doesn’t encourage thought nor bother to approach federal politics with a modicum of maturity.
Let me explain further.
Your email in sum goes like this: You begin your email with a good character plug- you have beliefs I admire, good experience and are practical. You then begin an assault on Stephen Harper. You tell us we are facing serious challenges as a society that unite us and that Harper isn’t following- the Liberals on the other hand stand for everything we all stand for, our values are your values etc. Cdn values = my values = liberal values. NDP cant handle it. We must vote Liberal and get our country back.
These are my issues with this letter.
Firstly: Why are you focusing so much energy on identity plays and trust based voting. I can understand that politics has become about branding in many ways, but the email doesn’t even mention a single issue nor attempt to prove that you, as part of the liberals, do actually have a plan based on concrete examples and pilot efforts already underway. I must tell you that I would rather vote for a politician who encourages me to think about the problems we are facing and who is proposing clever solutions than someone I like or someone I think feels just as Canadian as me.
Secondly: Why do the Liberal party try to be everything to everyone? Can we not have a democracy of competing interests groups who come to a compromise rather than a system of party discipline and a race to the center (which no one can seem to find…perhaps because it doesn’t actually exist?)
Thirdly: Why spend so much time lambasting other politicians rather than proving the liberal party is ready to engage with us intelligently? What are the issues? How do they affect us in the long-term, what are you planning to do about it? Do I really need the liberal party to make up my mind for me and base my vote more on loyalty than real policies that affect the way I live my life? I realize by voting I am entrusting you to make decisions on my behalf- but are not those decisions supposed to be in my interest- based on what I think and want (hopefully based on accurate information?)
In the interest of saving time i’ll end here. This is not an attack, I just have real misgivings about this approach to politics which spoon feeds me ideals about my identity rather than a political conversation worth having. I havent decided who to vote for in the election, maybe your response could convince me that the liberals are actually ready and mature enough to take on the future?
Email from Michelle:
Dear Jo,
Public service through politics is not always an easy path, but it is a meaningful quest. I am deeply committed to community service and striving to make Canada and the world a better place. Being your elected representative in Parliament and serving Canada and our community is an extension of this passion and drive. Through community service and international work I’ve demonstrated my passion for making a positive contribution, standing up against injustice, and implementing progressive, pragmatic strategies for stronger communities and a better world. We need diversity in Parliament; this includes people from different backgrounds, ages and genders.
You’ve been my friend along the way and encouraged me in my work both here at home and overseas. Thank you for your support. I hope you can continue to support me on this upcoming journey; it is one that I strongly believe in.
We face serious challenges – social, economic, and environmental – and we need twenty-first century solutions to overcome them. I am not willing to sit on the sidelines and watch what Steven Harper will do with another government. He is guided by nineteenth century principles and is disconnected from the values of Canadians. Canadians come from all walks of life, cultures and backgrounds. What unites us is our shared vision of Canada as a beacon of tolerance, a voice of reason, an example of progress, and a model for the future. These ideals are not only what make Canada great; they are also fundamental to the Liberal Party of Canada.
The NDP cannot get action on the issues important to Canadians: they have not and cannot form government and they’ve proven to be ineffective in opposition. While our world may be getting smaller, it’s certainly not getting any less complicated. We need a government that is up to the task. The Liberal Party will take progressive action on the issues that are important to Canadians.
The Liberal Party is the party that brought home our constitution, enshrined our Charter of Rights and Freedoms, provided universal health care, and helped ban landmines. Our party has proven that we can deliver good social policy and good economic policy. We have a track record of great accomplishments.
The Conservatives have presented a collection of short-sighted measures. My approach is to look to the future and I am committed to ensuring a richer, fairer and greener Canada. I see a Canada of unlimited possibilities, and I know that together, we can make our country and our world a better place. We have an opportunity to take the polls and get our country back on track towards a better future for all Canadians. We just need your support in making this happen.
I am asking you to help support my candidacy and donate to the campaign.
Every little bit brings us one step closer to a Canada that we can stand up and be proud of.
Please CLICK HERE to donate online.
6 Responses to All style and no substance? An email exchange with MP hopeful Michelle Hassen
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Glad to see your keeping track of Canadian politics despite being so far away from us. Plus, your commentary is right on. I wish I knew what she/the liberal parties will stand for domestically and internationally. What will be their priorities environment? fighting poverty? And how do they intend to do so. I need to know what I would be signing up for. Thank you for bringing this up. Did you reply to her email and try to get more specifics?
I am very curious Jo, why you chose to post this email exchange online? I understand your position concerning the polarity of party politics and I truly hope to see reform in our provinces electoral system, reforms such as the single transferable vote system proposed by the citizen’s assembly in 2005. This type of progressive thinking will better reflect the interest and values of Canadians (in my opinion). There are similar reforms also being proposed in Ontario, though with less support then here in the west.
What puzzles me is why you chose to voice your concerns/criticisms on the terry blog, as opposed to addressing them to Ms. Hassen directly. On the face of it, Ms. Hassen has obviously joined a political party because she feels that it is an effectual path to good governance and the Canada she wants to create. Other wise (I assume) she might have run as an independent. In her letter, which is very brief and directed at gaining support, she outlines why her party is aligned to her beliefs and why she feels this party is a superior representative of Canadian Values. Now, I agree that distilling something as amorphous, and diverse as that which we could coin ‘Canadian Values’ into a single party would be to grossly oversimplify the world in which we live. But, by criticizing Ms. Hassen directly (which you have obviously done by posting here her correspondence, instead of blogging on, oh, representative democracy, or the evils of partisan politics) you are making, what appears to me, a very political statement.
In the exchange, a mutual friendship and value position is state by the both of you. You must then have some idea of what Ms. Hassen’s standing on various issues would be, do you not? Isn’t it odd then to pose these questions to us, who don’t have the intimate relationship you have? I too think it unfortunate that the political system in Canada creates such partisan dialogue, but that is the direct influence of the Westminster system, which we’ve inherited from our English forbearers. That said, I would challenge you to find a politician that is not guilty of the same charges you level against Ms. Hassen.
Hey Jo!
I’m looking forward to seeing the response you get. While I fully support Michelle Hassen, I share the same feeling of caution because I see someone so intelligent and motivated going into a political system that encourages personal/partisan attacks and puts posturing before real discourse. My perception is that she is aware of the shortcomings of Canadian politics (and the Liberal party) but working on maintaining balance between her principles and reality.
I agree that all Canadian politicians need to learn how not to patronize the electorate. But it is a two way street-voters need to act with responsibility and awareness too. As “Clash of Civilizations” (the YouTube video not stupid Huntington) says, “when the people lead, the leaders will follow”. I hope that supporters like you and me who stand behind our leaders but never put them above criticism will help create an “honest politician” out of Michelle…if there is such a thing !
XOXO Kerrie
we liked your entry jo. keep rockin in the free world.
Hi Devon.
Thanks for your comment.
To respond, I don;t actually have that close of a relationship with Ms. Hassen. I do though, believe that she would make an excellent MP and that her reasoning is sound. I decided to post it online for a few reasons. The first is simply that I thought she might be pushed to respond if the statements were more public… if more people than just myself were taking notice. She must be busy, sometimes the power of numbers is a good thing. I did also email the questions to her personally.
The second reason is that I think my concerns about Michelle are echoed through and through youngish political circles. We all want to engage with our political institutions but I think in many ways we are forced out by rhetoric we don’t (and perhaps aren’t meant to) understand. I personally am sick of handing over my loyalties to politicians without a proper exchange, debate and reasoning and without the opportunity to continue to do so after the elections are over. Its a very urban phenomenon- I call up my provincial MP from my little northern town whenever I want and he responds directly to my questions. I love it. Its the way it should be.
The final reason I posted it (i am sure there were more at the time but I cant remember) was that I really am stoked Michelle is running and want to be able to endorse her. I wanted to give her an opportunity to impress on me, and maybe some others, than she is genuine and willing to engage in a debate beyond national rhetoric. So far… no response from her, I await the rhetorical revolution and will keep trying to get a hold of her. Will let you all know how it goes.
First off, I am an unabashed member of team Liberal, I know Michelle quite well, and think I can add a bit to the discussion.
First can I ask a question, has Michelle responded? and if so are you going to publish her response? I think it only fair. I know you aren’t asking me these questions, but if you’ll listen, I’m happy to tell you how I would answer the questions, though it is not a “party” or even Michelle’s position.
First issue: I would love it if the majority of voters took the time to become knowledgeable about the important issues of the day, researched candidate’s positions, and voted for the representative that most closely matched their views of what is right. Unfortunately, what we find is that most people actually vote on gut feeling. Is it someone the voter met, or how do they feel about the leader. This is why parties spend so much time trying to build brands and build messages that people connect with. Would we prefer to have real debates about the issues whivh we feel are important? You bet.
The Liberal Party tries to be everything to everybody because those that make up the party are a diverse group, and sometimes we don’t agree, but we all believe in pluralism and compromise. I’m a greedy environmentalist or green capitalist. I want low business taxes and draconian environmental regulations. Michelle wants to see Canada more involved in development and construction oversees, along with stronger social programs domestically. We have hippies, old white guys, blue collar unionists, free market capitalists and all sorts of other people from across the country and political spectrum. We are the party that not only accepts diversity, but actively seeks it out. Does it create problems? Sometimes it is hard to have a cohesive message, and we can’t make a simple 5 point plan, because Canada has more than 5 things that need attention.
That third is a bit long so I will try and give brief responses.
Thirdly: Why spend so much time lambasting other politicians rather than proving the liberal party is ready to engage with us intelligently? Because it is fun and easy. Sorry for the sarcasm, but there is a hint of truth there. It is harder to stick to the issues, and harder to talk intelligently about the large gamut of interests.
What are the issues? There are too many to list. As an informed voter, you need to decide what issues are important for you, and ask the candidates directly where they stand. Be prepared for a canned answer from a briefing sheet, and nail them with a second question. It is very hard to be knowledgeable about all issues, and almost impossible to give a satisfactory answer to everyone. The issues I really care about are post secondary education, long term economy planning, global competitiveness, environment specifically greenhouse emissions, and infrastructure investment. Michelle will be happy to talk to you about the issues she is most concerned with, but don’t be surprised if they are completely different from mine.
How do they affect us in the long-term, what are you planning to do about it? Budget decisions today affect the structure of our economy in 10-15 years. Do you want an economy based on being the best minds in the world, with high paying exciting jobs in world class environmentally sustainable companies that provides the tax base for great health care good social programs? Or do you want an economy based on our dwindling oil and empty mines that have left us sick and poor. I know its a slippery slope logical fallacy, but tax breaks for polluting extraction industries or money for education?
Do I really need the liberal party to make up my mind for me and base my vote more on loyalty than real policies that affect the way I live my life? Boy I hope not. I base my vote on who I think will listen to me if I go into their constituency office and bitch them out about changes to the copyright law. The Liberal MPs I know will argue with you, but if you present a good argument, they will take it to Ottawa and try and make something happen. A good recent example of this is Keith Martin and the CHRC. Keith Martin is an awesome guy by the way and if you have a chance to meet him I highly recommend it. Also, he is not someone that lets party lines get in the way of common sense. I wish there was more people like him and Garth Turner.
I think the issues you raise are real and indicative of problems with the system, not Michelle. Michelle is capable, intelligent and dedicated. I recommend you meet her and give her the gears. You’ll be impressed.
Jake Gray
Liberal Candidate Langley
P.S.