Now the blogs have been riddled with news that the Liberals and Conservatives are in a DEAD HEAT according to the most recent SES poll. Some have discussed the apparent “success” of the numbers - but hold on a sec. Is 33% something to be proud about?
Lets put things into prospective;
1) 33% means that from a group of a 100 national voters , only 33 of them respect the Liberal message enough to give them a vote. In contrast 7 of them would prefer voting Green - and they are essentially a one issue party (whose platform is growing , yes) with not a single MP in the house. I mean not to patronize people with some basic math lessons - but sometimes polls fail to tell us the most rudimentary facts about federal politics. I mean, if you invited 100 people to your party but only 33 of them liked you enough to show up - would you be happy? I didn’t think so!
2) 33% means that were in a tie with a party that hasn’t stuck a cord with a broad base of Canadians, the Conservatives. After groups representing FIRST NATIONS, WOMEN, GAYS and ENVIRONMETNALISTS have made it very public that this government has not acted fairly (or fully) on their interests - the Liberal Party - the party of Social Justice is still in a “dead heat” with this floundering party. As much as I am critical of the Conservatives constantly attacking the Liberals as if they were still members of the opposition but never acting as the governing party and doing something about it! - maybe somebody should remind the Liberals that as the opposition, were supposed to be on the OFFENSIVE when there is dissatisfaction within the country!
3) Although it is a victory (in a small way) that the Liberals are within striking distance of making this a close race whenever the next election maybe. But are we really satisfied with that - does the excitement that we are now tied with the Conservatives; really mean that more Liberals are just interested in regaining power then actually creating an atmosphere of REAL CHANGE. I assure you, those of us on the grassroots want this party want to make a real difference, and minority governments are not a stable way to help this nation grow in the long term.
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I suppose there is some good news in that we are still in this race - but perhaps we should step back and see these numbers with a bit more of a critical light - many of you are right that this poll is cause for encouragement; but if you don’t look at the numbers from both sides then you do no justice for the party that you support.
Be strong friends, we should not reduce ourselves to be content with a chance of minority governments. If you really believe in what this party can do - then only be happy if this party has the chance to take a majority government. With this in mind - only want this majority government If you think this government is capable of doing what we want it to. Remember the party is accountable to us - not the other way around. Make this party act on behalf of your voices.
6 comments:
I haven't seen anyone who's particulary impressed with the polling numbers.
I would love to post a few posts - but in all fairness I dont want to post and insult others thoughts. Just look around, there are some.
Well perhaps they're encouraged about this poll compared to the Leger poll putting us behind in Ontario and down by 7 points nationally. But I don't think anyone is satisfied with this poll.
My friend, you've echoed my sentiments exactly.
My friend, you've echoed my sentiments exactly.
These numbers with conjunction with the Leger poll, essentially states that were no better then the CPC. So a new direction is required if we want better things for this party and country. I hate to be so vague - im a man of detail, but I think you’ve realized the point of this article so I have little elaborate on.
These numbers arnt just “good” - their pretty awful.
Polls are meaningless.
Just do the right thing.
If the LPC uses polls to determine when to tip this government, then they are playing into the hands of the government.
CPC has been trying to make the public believe that the LPC is driven entirely by its attraction to power. LPC has to stop giving them that edge.
Tomm
I agree that polls are not a precise way to determine elections - but they do serve a purpose in gauging the "mood" of voters - I mean any race within 5 percentage points in my eyes is still winnable and losable.
But interesting insight, you think that the LPC is going to tip this government on what the polls have to say?
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