In previous articles of this series, I applied my governance vs. politics paradigm to various actors in the today’s political process. Politicians, party workers, and media got graded by me.
This article is about you. I’ll just give you some examples of how I participate in politics. I’ll let you try to grade me. Then figure out your political work for yourself.
Assign a total score of 100%. Some will go to politics, which is concerned about who is making the decision. The rest will go to governance, which is what is the discussion.
Watching influential party people climb the party hierarchy or fall down was an interesting spectacle for me. Governance or Politics?
I worked for a colleague in an internal party election. One of my tasks was to get this person in the homes of party members to give a little personal talk. Governance or Politics?
After I left politic, I put more emphasis on serving on community boards. Governance or Politics?
In these community boards, it takes me about six meetings to know if a fellow board member is truly interested in my insights or is just being nice to me while working his/her own ideological agenda. Governance or Politics?
I would like to base my vote on observed skills for meetings. Governance or Politics?
I regard candidate forums and debates as next-to-useless tools for casting a wise vote. Governance or Politics?
Since my departure from formal politics and shedding my partisanship nature, I can see that the three main federal Canadian parties have selected reasonable party leaders that would not embarrass Canada on the international stage. Governance or Politics?
After Mr. Trump assumed the presidency in 2017, I would google “Donald Trump news” when I had a spare moment on the computer. Governance or Politics?
I commend PBS programs like “Inside Olympia” where journalists get various political players to show their perspectives to the public. Governance or Politics?
When Donald Trump held up the Bible in front of a church, I thought — for certain — he looked silly enough to cause many Christians to not vote for him. I predicted he would decisively lose the 2020 election. Governance or Politics?
I recently subscribed to the magazine “The Texas Observer.” I read a great article about the Lipan Apache. Governance or Politics?
I vote in all elections. In most of my federal and provincial elections, I spoil my ballot. Governance or Politics?
In my municipal elections, I get six votes. I usually know enough about two or three names to give them my approval of “good character” and “capacity for governance.” My votes go their way. I don’t vote for other candidates. Governance or Politics?
But sometimes a name appears on the municipal ballot who I don’t think should be on Council. I will cast my spare votes to neutral candidates to hinder that “bad” name to not be elected. Governance or Politics?
I believe my municipal council functions admirably. Governance or Politics?
When a partisan engages with me about politics, I try to turn the discussion to my alternative democracy. I am usually not successful, so I tend to shut down. Governance or Politics?
Published on Medium 2023
The Political Donor: A 1-Act Play
