Say what you want about Obama, it’s hard to deny that since he came onto the scene, we’ve
been introduced to a much more interesting brand of politics.
In previous years (read: before the Obama era) I never would
have tuned into a U.S. presidential debate. Maybe that’s because I was in my
early-to-mid 20s, and had more interesting things to think about – like what to
dress up as for Hallowe’en. (For those of you who are wondering, it was
probably something slutty).
Today? I wouldn’t miss it for the world. Mainly so I can
catch a soon-to-be trending zinger as it happens, like last night’s “horses and
bayonets” gem.
In this age of social media – when everything is about being
authentic, human, relatable – it makes sense that politics should go that way
too. And what’s more authentic than
watching two politicians seethe in disgust while they take turns interrupting
the other’s well-rehearsed talking points?
I’m not saying Canada should go the way of the U.S. in terms
of politics, but our politicians could definitely take a page out of their book
in terms of showing some real emotion. The last Federal debate had a few
glimmers of promise – who can forget Jack Layton’s “sweater” comment? – but, at
the end of the day, it still seemed a little too rehearsed.
That’s the thing I’ve always hated about politics. Everyone’s
so terrified of being taken out of context – and so focused on sticking to
their talking points – that it makes it difficult to know who you’re really voting
for. Everyone seems to be hiding something which, I guess, is the nature of
politics. But why does it have to be that way?
I always imagined that if I ran for some sort of office, I’d
just “be myself”. I’d say, “Hey, listen, if you want a more advanced subway
system, if you want a nicer waterfront, you’re going to have to make some
sacrifices. We’ll do what we can on our end, in terms of ‘stopping the gravy
train’, but it likely won’t be enough. You need to pay higher taxes.”
I definitely wouldn’t be elected. But would my candid
approach be the reason? Or would it be the fact that I say inappropriate things
without thinking ALL the time?
I hate that regardless of the level of politics, politicians
always cater to the lowest common denominator. Or maybe an imagined lowest
common denominator – I’m not sure anyone is that stupid.
I mean, do Americans really, honestly think that they can
dig their way out of a trillion-dollar debt without paying higher taxes? Do
Torontonians really believe that the “gravy train” is the reason our city is
broke – not the fact that we’re paying some of the lowest property tax rates
around?
In my opinion, politicians wrongly assume that it’s these
stupid, deceptive promises that win them votes, when in reality it’s the fact
that they bore everyone to death, so only the party loyalists bother to show up.
Voter turn-out rates are decreasing election after election.
You can condemn the non-voters for being apathetic, for not appreciating the
wonders of democracy. But what about the politicians? What role do they play?
It’s hard to really get pumped to vote for someone who
sounds and looks like a cardboard cut-out. Give us personality! Give us authenticity!
Tell us who you really are!
Too many times I’ve gone behind that cardboard voter’s booth
and dreaded casting my ballot. I still do it, but it’s not the same when you’re
secretly hoping the person you’re voting for will never take office.
My wish, for the next election (and I don’t even know when
that is, there’s been so many minority governments and so many elections
lately) is that someone will actually get me passionate about my country, my
province, or my city.
I want someone to give me a “horses and bayonets” moment.
I want something cool to Tweet about.
(Photo source: Mashable.com)
