Help wanted: Women Politicians
Like every other socially conscious person, I am in agreement with Krista’s column in the Sun today today that our democracy would improve with greater representation by having more women elected to the three levels of government. I know Krista is a tory and it is refreshing that right minded people are talking about issues normally dominated by self interested feminist man-hating types who do not speak for the majority of women. I think more men could contribute to this discussion.
However, the largest problem with Krista’s Sun column today is she accepts Belinda Stronach as a spokeswoman for women in politics. Stronach is hardly a good example for women in politics. Hardly an example for anyone in politics. I found it more than ironic that the person Paul Martin assigned to address the “democratic deficit” was a floor crossing opportunist who turned her back on principle in exchange for instant gratification. I respect a staunch socialist who has strength of conviction over a fence sitting Liberal. At least you know where they stand. Belinda is a prime example of what is wrong with parliament. I think Judy Alphabet is a better example, if only she would not focus on identity politics so much. Rona Ambrose also comes to mind.
I think there are far better examples of parliamentarians to be the flag bearer for increased women representation. That being said, the topic here is how to make this happen.
Here are some ideas:
-Drop the identity politics garbage. It is both patronizing and polarizing.
-Dismiss the concept of “women’s caucus”. Men don’t have a “men’s caucus”. The sooner we get over the concept that there are men’s and women’s issues the better. We have societal issues. Period.
- Drop special funds to attract women. The Judy LaMarsh fund indicates women are weak and need a financial crunch. Maybe the weak candidates a party recruits is the issue. Some of the best “bag men” are women. Corporate welfare policies like this re-enforce stereotypes. Join the 21st century already.
- Start treating women as equals. The more you focus on what the differences between men and women, the more the two will remain divided. We are different but equal.
- Don’t single out the efforts of women and pat them on the head when they achieve success. They do the same thing with Aboriginals and it is patronizing.
- Provide more information to young women. It worked for improving numbers of women in science.
- Adopt some parliamentary reform, as I do think it is a major turn off for many women who want to participate, but feel the game is tainted. How to achieve that requires more study.
I take offence to Krista’s comment that:
“Politicians acting like grown-ups rather than toddlers going through their "terrible twos?" What a concept.”
What a sweeping generalization! Did you ever watch Deborah Grey in the House???? I think our parliamentary system needs to be reformed as a result of ineffective Question Period and the level of power of the PM’s office (amongst other issues). It isn’t simply because men act like children (some do, just like some women).
In keeping on subject with the Manitoba provincial scene, I think the tories will have a number of strong women candidates. They have a history of women representation in senior cabinet positions (Vodrey, McIntosh, Mitchelson). I think this trend will continue with strong bright MLA’s like Heather Stefanson (who is more than a pretty face). She would likely have a senior seat at the cabinet table.
As I mentioned in a previous post, Today’s NDP have to step up to the plate and actually promote women to positions of power. Jean Friesen was a senior minister, but then left after years of frustration dealing with the old boys club. Oh, wait, if I am wrong (which I am quite willing to admit) and the NDP leadership really does believe in equality, there are no women in senior cabinet posts or hack positions because they simply do not possess the talent to do the job. I wonder what the women in the NDP think about that?
However, the largest problem with Krista’s Sun column today is she accepts Belinda Stronach as a spokeswoman for women in politics. Stronach is hardly a good example for women in politics. Hardly an example for anyone in politics. I found it more than ironic that the person Paul Martin assigned to address the “democratic deficit” was a floor crossing opportunist who turned her back on principle in exchange for instant gratification. I respect a staunch socialist who has strength of conviction over a fence sitting Liberal. At least you know where they stand. Belinda is a prime example of what is wrong with parliament. I think Judy Alphabet is a better example, if only she would not focus on identity politics so much. Rona Ambrose also comes to mind.
I think there are far better examples of parliamentarians to be the flag bearer for increased women representation. That being said, the topic here is how to make this happen.
Here are some ideas:
-Drop the identity politics garbage. It is both patronizing and polarizing.
-Dismiss the concept of “women’s caucus”. Men don’t have a “men’s caucus”. The sooner we get over the concept that there are men’s and women’s issues the better. We have societal issues. Period.
- Drop special funds to attract women. The Judy LaMarsh fund indicates women are weak and need a financial crunch. Maybe the weak candidates a party recruits is the issue. Some of the best “bag men” are women. Corporate welfare policies like this re-enforce stereotypes. Join the 21st century already.
- Start treating women as equals. The more you focus on what the differences between men and women, the more the two will remain divided. We are different but equal.
- Don’t single out the efforts of women and pat them on the head when they achieve success. They do the same thing with Aboriginals and it is patronizing.
- Provide more information to young women. It worked for improving numbers of women in science.
- Adopt some parliamentary reform, as I do think it is a major turn off for many women who want to participate, but feel the game is tainted. How to achieve that requires more study.
I take offence to Krista’s comment that:
“Politicians acting like grown-ups rather than toddlers going through their "terrible twos?" What a concept.”
What a sweeping generalization! Did you ever watch Deborah Grey in the House???? I think our parliamentary system needs to be reformed as a result of ineffective Question Period and the level of power of the PM’s office (amongst other issues). It isn’t simply because men act like children (some do, just like some women).
In keeping on subject with the Manitoba provincial scene, I think the tories will have a number of strong women candidates. They have a history of women representation in senior cabinet positions (Vodrey, McIntosh, Mitchelson). I think this trend will continue with strong bright MLA’s like Heather Stefanson (who is more than a pretty face). She would likely have a senior seat at the cabinet table.
As I mentioned in a previous post, Today’s NDP have to step up to the plate and actually promote women to positions of power. Jean Friesen was a senior minister, but then left after years of frustration dealing with the old boys club. Oh, wait, if I am wrong (which I am quite willing to admit) and the NDP leadership really does believe in equality, there are no women in senior cabinet posts or hack positions because they simply do not possess the talent to do the job. I wonder what the women in the NDP think about that?
posted by Andy Fletcher | 8:47 PM
6 Comments:
Andy, I'd respectfully suggest you misinterpreted my comments re: politicians acting like toddlers going through their "terrible twos".
I was not directing this comment at either gender, rather to all politicians of both sexes.
So I believe your criticism on that point is a little misguided.
OK, I will give you that one. However, that leads to the question, what does women involvement (or lack thereof) have to do with behaviour in the chamber?
Are you suggesting that the male dominated game of politics is inherently flawed because of gender or the greater issue of parliamentary theatrics and sound bites? I assume you included that element in your column because it had to deal with a gender issue (the topic of your column).
Or are you suggesting it will take a greater female presence to fix this problem?
No, again, you're completely misinterpreting what I wrote.
Women involvement in politics has nothing to do with behaviour in the chamber.
I never said it did.
I included it in the column because Belinda raised it as a barrier to female involvement in the political system.
If you actually read what I wrote in response / rebuttal, I said that I would like to see improved behaviour in the chamber, in the hopes that it would result in more qualified candidates of BOTH sexes participating in the process.
Agreed and so ordered!
The Manitoba Liberal Party have so far recruited four women to run in the next provincial election. All four have something in common. Yet each are completely different in terms of personality, goals and reason for running. If one of the four wins it would be a Manitoba first.
Can you share any info as to where they are running?
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