One of the greatest rewards of being politically active within the community comes through the knowledge that we're no longer simply commenting on or criticizing events in the news --- we're making news. Whether through our opposition to London's tax-financed Pan-Am Games, our assistance offered to the employees at Eaton's, or through our acting as representatives for the residents of Gatewood Crescent, we've been earning a reputation as a political activist group that actually does something in the community to defend the ideals it claims to value.

It's not that we're trying to keep our involvement in certain issues a secret; at this stage of the game there's simply nothing to be gained by pushing the point. Ideas and action must come first --- political identifications second. It's a fact that most people are easily intimidated by the prospect of political activity (partisan politics, you see), and that's quite understandable. With the legacy of other political parties preceeding us, it's really a reaction everyone should learn to expect. So bearing this reality in mind, Freedom Party has adopted an individualistic, ad hoc, "non"-partisan approach to issues in the community.

And it's working.

It is no mere irony that by avoiding direct, overt (i.e., threatening) attempts to promote the Party, we've generated more interest in and support for Freedom Party than has ever existed before. Word-of-mouth is a powerful method of promotion, and the fact that we're becoming a party identified as a supporter of various causes and issues means that we're earning a reputation of credibility and trust --- something that would have been impossible to achieve through strictly "partisan" activity or only during elections.

However, let's not lose our perspective by assuming that our rate of "success" in influencing certain issues will justify expectations of similar success in an election. Not so! Electoral success is an entirely different animal!

Unlike an issue, where picking sides is relatively easy (either you're for or against, depending on its nature), voting for a political party presents you with an entirely different type of alternative --- a package deal --- where you are automatically compromised into the position of having to vote for that party which is seen to be the best representative of your political philosophy or ideals. Naturally, there will always be those issues where the party you voted for will not agree with your views --- thus, the inevitable prospect of voting for the "lesser" of a given number of "evils", "evil" being that element of your chosen party's platform with which you do not agree --- but found yourself voting for nonetheless.

So bearing these realities in mind, let's learn to live with the consequence that the electorate votes against things, not for them --- after all, it has no choice. Votes received by the Conservatives are for the most part actually votes against the NDP and Liberals. Votes received by the Liberals or NDP are essentially votes against the other parties' policies. Thus, whether we like it or not, elections are always a matter of voting for the lesser of a given number of "evils".

Fortunately, it is the inevitable result of this process that will ultimately prove to be the success of the Freedom Party effort. With other parties operating on the basis of representing interests, it's only a matter of time before their philosophic inconsistencies make them virtually indistinguishable from each other --- and identically directionless when it comes to pursuing any consistent political strategies.

That's where the presence of a principled, consistent, organized effort of activity comes in. And time. And committment. And perseverance. Once the electorate becomes aware that there is such a party --- one with a proven track record --- only then will our presence as a viable political alternative even begin to take root.

This is definitely not good news for those who are looking for a "quick fix" (i.e., political victory) to our political maladies. "There just ain't no such animal."

Yes, these are hard realities to have to face, and in large part, they are responsible for the inhibitions that result in the failure of many to act. Don't let that happen to you. Because if you're interested in freedom of choice --- really interested, that is --- community action is a must.

It's the only way to win.

HOW ABOUT YOU?

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Page last updated on April 28, 2002