As Canadians, we have enjoyed the unusual amount of entertainment presented by the political arm wrestle taking place south of the 49th. The current contest borders on a gong show. In most presidential contests, the complexity of the system, combined with the uniquely American ability to viciously attack opponents on all levels (personally and ideologically), produces the show. The American Empire has been likened to the historical Roman Empire, with New York as the new Rome, and perhaps our U.S. friends have embraced more than just empirical aspirations; they seem to lust for blood sport as well, with Washington D.C. as the new colosseum.
Yet this collapse into childhood antics also scares the hell out of us—and if it doesn’t, it should. Let’s not be so ideological that we cannot accept a certain amount of gameplay in our politics. This gameplay should bring to the forefront issues facing our society. The issues that come up in campaigns often become the priorities of our next leaders. In credit to the game, solutions often arise from a combination of all candidates’ thoughts. At minimum, new leaders find their ideas moderated through the input of their opponents.
We are dealing with an already weakened system wrought with mistrust, internal and external. With the rise of every government, it’s not a matter of whether there will be scandal; it’s a question of when. And as a populace, we show no grace. We relish the pessimism rather than embrace disappointment. This misguided energy is also directed by the media, which sometimes forgets their role in our process and touts sensationalism rather than focussing on the news.
People on both sides of the border are talking about electoral system reform. Whether it’s the removal of super-delegates in U.S. primaries or the adoption of proportional representation, our leaders are responding to our frustration. But do we have the appetite to simply change the rules of the game? We want cleaner play with fewer penalties.
On a larger scale, we’re also talking about widespread cultural change, something not easily accomplished.
We hear the buzzword “transparency” flouted here and there. What we’re really talking about is a return to basic principles—values such as honesty, courtesy, and respect—that cross all political stripes and borders. We need to respect and trust our leaders, and we need the same from them. We can’t expect leaders to match our own philosophies perfectly, but we can expect them to respect all views. Indeed, we can’t expect perfect leaders at all, but we can expect ones who take responsibility, learn, and move on.
As I’ve watched my son move through the various levels of organized football, I’ve been impressed with the emphasis placed on sportsmanship and showing respect for the other team; without the other team, you wouldn’t have a game, nor any challenge to get better. Even after a solid tackle, it’s not uncommon to see the opposing player offer a hand up. We must treat our opponents for what they really are: comrades in the same fight.
At the end of the day, players in any game respond to two things. First, they play according to their opponent’s strategy. If they’re playing a fast and aggressive team, a calculated approach doesn’t work; a similarly assertive response is required. Secondly, they respond to the fans. If fans cheer certain actions while remain silent for others, the players react and adjust. Soccer players in European leagues will attest to this, saying that if you don’t respect the wishes of the fans, you may not make it out of the stadium unscathed.
As such, I suspect it is us fans (citizens) who determine how the game is played. If we’re like the rowdy, bloodthirsty crowds of ancient Rome, we should expect our political gladiators to deliver on those desires.
True change has always, and will always, come from the masses. We, as the collective “fans”, have the true ability to change the culture. Are we the fans who check out early because we think we know the outcome? Are we tired of watching something we don’t like? Are we cheering for the fights more than the victories? If we are, we may need to adjust our choices in what we consider entertainment.
