May 5th - A Politics of Honesty

Day 1,614, 12:18 • Published in Canada Canada • by Sperry


Canada has been alive with discussion for weeks now. Citizens of all backgrounds are part of the conversation. There is a push for something better, something that they can be proud of, something that they can help to build. These conversations have grown and shifted just as Canada has over its 4 years: what started as an effort to bring home our self-exiled brethren or oust one individual has transformed into a drive to better the entire body of our community.

Achieving these dreams takes hard work. It takes commitment. It takes, as oliver said many weeks ago, more than one CP's term. I aim to help move Canada in that direction. Toward a country where new players are asked "what do you want to do?" instead of "why should I let you do this?" Toward a political structure where the Mansbridges and Rogers of the world can find new niches and new ways of doing things.



I aim to be part of this process. I aim to help lead it. Over the past 40 days, I have engaged in these conversations not because I want to sit as the beacon for the NPG or setup some fedora empire for the summer. But rather, because if I can help build something for today, help new players (and old ones with new drives) find something better, then just maybe someone will take that next step, and carry Canada forward long after I am gone.

Octavian and Francois have come forward as candidates for President, not because someone 'needs to be beaten,' but because Canada once more has forgotten the benefits of a legitimate campaign. Of many people, respectable players, discussing and debating ideas and courses of action for our country. Of identifying what we believe, what we stand for, and what we plan to do to make Canada as good as it can be for all of us. These ideas go beyond just writing in a newspaper or sending a few PMs on election day. They involve reaching out to individuals, to asking "what can I do for you?" and "how can you make Canada better with me?"

I campaign and write articles and PM people each day because this process - this democratic, honest, transparent process - gives each of you a clear picture of what Canada can be like under a President who pays attention. Under a President who understands that a simply reply of "yes, I agree, I think you're right" goes a long way to helping even the oldest of players feel recognized and included.



I advocate a Politics of Honesty. It has many forms and many applications: ensuring that next month's political scene is active and accountable regardless of their party is high on that list. Ensuring that Canadians who want to be involved and have a chance to do so is critical. If a new player wants to run for office, how can I help them? What questions can I answer for them? What question can they answer for me?

I encourage you to push for a politics of honesty. Together, we may yet achieve it.

May 5th: Sperry for CP, Eric Last for VP.
To Strive, to Seek, to Find, and Not to Yield.