Democracy: Ford

Democracy Dept: It s not mainly democracy I ll grieve for, though the mayor s fate was taken out of the hands of voters. Our system isn t all that democratic anyway. Money talks in elections, winners usually don t even get a majority. But if you think of democracy or politics in a larger sense, this was a chance to learn how to live with harsh conflicts and aggressive personalities yet achieve real progress, according to The Star. It s Ford s loyal foot soldiers I feel for the most. He was a classic populist a term that generations of academics have lived off without ever adequately defining. But it s always based on resentment of the elites, a favourite Fordite term. It doesn t refer to real economic and political powers; it s directed at those with better access to vocabulary, education, professional expertise and connections. When a Caribbean immigrant was asked why he d support Ford in a new election, he said: Because he s for the people. It s that un/clear and i already feel nostalgic for the Rob Ford era in Toronto politics. It was a missed opportunity. A teachable moment that existed too briefly. People who were disheartened by Ford s win gradually found a way to make their points. Unlikely leaders on civic issues emerged, like Margaret Atwood . The anti-Fordists on council allied with others, including Fordists, and forged policies together. Ford loyalists had the space to occasionally declare some autonomy. His weakness and ineptitude enabled them. With a mayor in clearer command, his allies are more likely to just strike poses and mimic his rhetoric. (www.immigrantscanada.com). As reported in the news.