A Plea to the Federal NDP

As a lifetime proponent of democratic socialism, I have figured out what about the current federal NDP is alienating me. First, let's be realistic here. The Federal NDP is not going to form government this year....

That being said, why have the Federal NDP reduced themselves to being cheerleaders for the CPC? Look back. Tommy Douglas, J.S. Woodsworth, Ed Broadbent, Audrey McLaughlin, Alexa McDonough, David Lewis... These people had vision....

They knew what they wanted to achieve for Canadians and, although not in power, they worked with the government of the day to negotiate and discuss and bring some of their ideas to fruition. Universal health care is but one shining example.

So, why now, when we need a principled party holding the balance of power, are they siding with the CPC? Do they have some twisted notion that the CPC would be better for Canadians than the Liberals? Did we not already endure a decade of CPC rule? Have they forgotten?

To be relevant, to be a force for the public good, the NDP needs to differentiate themselves, instead of being indistinguishable from the CPC sharks circling in the water. And how can they do that?

For starters, stop copying the CPC talking points. Rise above. Present new ideas. Look at what the Liberals are doing well and explain how they could do it even better. Honestly, the Federal NDP communications team seems lacking in imagination.

Participating in handing the CPC an election win is turning their backs on everything the CCF/NDP was supposed to stand for. The CPC is the antithesis of social democratic values. Have they forgotten the basic goals?

To make Canada better, fairer, more inclusive for everyone, including (especially) the most vulnerable? How have they come to throw their lot in with the party that would lower minimum wages and protection for workers?

How can they appear to be working with the party that wants to gut education, science, and public health care? Tommy Douglas must be spinning in his grave. Why are you not presenting yourself as the alternative to the CPC as official opposition?

Oh, NDP! Deliver us not into the hands of Andrew Scheer, but get your act together and and do what is best for Canadians. All Canadians, not just the wealthy. That is your mandate, your mission.