Quote:
Originally Posted by flamey_mcflame
I still don't understand why there isn't a party that exists provincially or federally that would appeal to me and the myriad of others out there. Fiscally conservative and socially liberal and modern. Is that dichotomy impossible??
Oh well, as long as the NDP gets reduced to 1 or 2 seats after this election, I'll be happy. That party gets way too much media pub and attention for its irrelevance in this province. This party has been riding on its past semi-glory federally to think they actually mean anything to today's voters.
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I don't think its impossible... I just think that party hasn't been brought into being yet. Thing is, those two positions tend to stick with other positions:
Socially Liberal... Economically Leftist (to pay for the social liberalism)
Socially Moderate... Economically Moderate (balanced outlook)
Socially Conservative... Economically Right (hard line economics for hard line lifestyles)
I don't think people have really been offered the option of both moderate social policy and real fiscal conservatism. Therefore, for now it becomes a question of priority. Economics are my priority, so I'll vote WRA.
I know Hinman and his brood will never be able to force in their social agenda. However, I think a lot of people would be pleased with their fiscal agenda. They also have next to no hope of forming government anyway... but its a good protest vote for now, and a kick to the PCs collective ass to right their ship or be eventually replaced.
I also know that inherently, the stronger that party becomes, there will be a limit to their vote potential as they are. There will be a much greater need to moderate toward the median voter and to jettison strong social conservative voices like the Hinmans and Byfields of that party back to the fringes and replace them with people that share a more moderate and progressive social policy.
Also, I think Hinman wasn't totally wrong with his childcare diatribe... but was saying it for the wrong reasons. Children need to be in loving, caring environments wherever possible. Insititutional daycare is not ideal... but some people don't have that choice. Many people do though... and rather than asking the woman to be barefoot and pregnant with child in pure regressive style, the government should extend incentives to fathers, mothers, grandparents, relatives, older siblings and stay-at-home family friends to watch the children. That has the two-prong benefit of reducing daycare space for those who truly need it, and encouraging the family (in whatever way, shape or form people choose).