At seventeen, I was keen to become a voter
so I could support the NDP,
making the world a better place
where the poor get a helping hand,
people aren’t judged by appearances,
love and liberty overcome prejudice,
and war is no
more.
This is a vision of redemption and doesn’t work in politics.
I was a dork. Even in the Bible, utopia is
tucked into the last couple pages as a footnote to history. The left is no heaven
and acquires a goodly share of pond scum. The plan to perfect human nature by passing laws fails.
A small dose of common sense and the longish gap between
federal elections saved me from this folly. With luck, PM Harper's call for strict quadrennial elections may protect other impressionable youngsters.
 |
| When I grow up I want the world to be a better place. |
The beard, beads and scruffy hair disappeared in a few years and I lend a hand when asked, try to look past
first impressions, and generally hunt for a peaceable way through
conflict. This means I like
politics but expect no saints. The
doctrine of original sin comes closer to describing the need for politics than anything
else.
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