As the name of the Blog suggests, there is something amiss in Canada. Specifically, although we have appropriated the word democracy to describe our political system, we do not live in a democracy.
To be more precise, we are ruled by an elected oligarchy.
Almost without exception, during a provincial or federal election the electorate transfers its capacity to make its collective decisions to a minority that assumes the power of a majority as a result of a systemic distortion of the popular vote.
In short, private gain trumps the common good because our political institutions were designed to bring about this result. Consequently, the well-being of the general population suffers in order to enrich a small minority.
My focus will be the political economy in the US, Canada, Quebec, and the region where I live, the Outaouais. My approach is evidence-based, which will inevitably entail the examination of empirical studies comparing various political and economic variables.
As much as I can, I will attempt to be non-partisan and forego ideological debate. That being said, based on the existing evidence, I cannot help but take strong positions on climate change, the depletion of natural resources, and the unequal distribution of wealth. As well, I will have much to say about our institutional practices and the controlling myths that prevent us from breaking free from our colonial past.
Feel free to participate in a civil exchange of ideas, and I will do my best to provide you with thought-provoking texts that will hopefully serve as a point of departure for your own exploration of the ideas expressed in this Blog.
No comments:
Post a Comment
All comments will be reviewed before posting. Civility is a must.