[Tristan]

I clearly have a bias, but would say that no one group could manage this task. <br /> <br />The NDP has drifted from its roots. Many of the smaller parties have adopted extremist positions on some issues. Others have just given up. <br /> <br />A union of several groups might make for real change if it were in power. Somehting like: Greens+NDP+CAP+Council of Canadians+David Orchard and Co.+several citizens' groups. <br /> <br />I don't think I can pick one at this point in time. Perhaps if this thread evolves some more, I'll come up with a better answer.

[Dr Caleb]

[QUOTE BY= Mixer] <br />If you could pick one group who's ideals best with the needs of Canada (disregarding its current strength or voting block), who would it be (IE: with the same resources, who WOULD do the best job)?[/QUOTE] <br /> <br />I would start with Canadian Citizens . . .

[Calumny]

I agree with Dr. Caleb. <br /> <br />Citizens need to understand that in a democratic society there should be no separation between 'citizen' and 'government', as the former should in fact be the latter. As all citizens can't (or couldn't) participate in the day to day national management (or as some would have it, 'government) process, citizens have traditionally (s)elected individuals to represent them in that process. <br /> <br />It can be argued that somewhere along the line the distinction of representing groups of citizens in the process became blurred, with 'government' becoming an entity that existed in and of itself separate from the citizen and the citizen's right being relegated to selecting specified term rulers, rather than having any power within or to affect the process itself or knowledge of its inner workings. On the most basic level, Canada is a nation ruled by selected rulers and a supreme court (comprised often of appointees of those rulers). <br /> <br />If citizens do not come to the realization that they have no need for political parties and de facto 'rulers', and no need for those trappings of our current system which in effect do nothing more than consolidate control over national direction and business into the hands of a very few and whatever interests they truly serve, and assume more direct responsibility in the mational management and decision making process, I believe there is a strong possibility our nation will cease to exist, or will become something few of us want for ourselves or those who come after us. <br /> <br />The only people that will save Canada and Canadians are those same Canadians.

[Mixer]

Ok. <br /> <br />Lets assume the citizens continue the current trend. Lets say some group or party had to play a role. <br /> <br />What party/group has the will and intelligence to save Canada?

[Calumny]

I think it's fair to say every party has the intelligence. However, depending on their particular vision, some may not see, or choose to see, that there's anything to save Canada from, or have a somewhat different idea than the average Canuck as to who it should be saved for. <br /> <br />We've had new parties that were going to save, or 'reform' Canada before. However, stating good intentions before arriving in Ottawa and acting on them once you're there can be, as history has shown, two very different things. <br /> <br />Don't want to be pessimistic however, I stick with my remarks above. I wouldn't count on any political party having the will or ability to 'save' Canada in the sense of the term as used on Vive. Some of the actions necessary to save the nation could require some risk or sacrifice for Canadians and may be well beyond the territory into which any party competing to form a government may wish to venture.

[Mixer]

Alright, I'm responding to get this back to the top of the list. <br /> <br />Come on! 3 responses?! <br /> <br />This is Vivelecanada! <br /> <br />Surely some of you have an idea or two about leadership when it comes to saving this country!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! <br /> <br />Is it possible that there is a lack of ideas even here? <br /> <br />I might as well give up. I thought I'd get some real input.

[Dr Caleb]

You got plenty of input in the form of Apathy. No one, including me, believes any party has the will nor desire to save Canada from hostile takeover. Be it economic, cultural or political takover.<p> <br />I re-iterate my point; Canadian citizens will have to do it, or force their politicians to do it.<p> <br />

[Calumny]

So, Mixer, why not enlighten us all as to who you think has the will and intelligence to 'save' Canada? <br /> <br /> <img align=absmiddle src='images/smilies/biggrin.gif' alt='Big Grin'>

[whelan costen]

Actually I stand with the citizens, I think that anytime you put your hope in an entity, be it a party, (which is really just a formalization of a group of people with like ideas)or even in a single person, you risk putting all your eggs in one basket. Saving Canada is more than just good government, that is important, but the people must want to save Canada, they must put value in that which is Canadian and they must know what Canada is first, then they will be able to direct their attention to the matter. <br /> <br />This is why I object to the attitude that a party is the only aspect needed to save Canada. Those who vote according to party, only, fail to realize that what stood for progressive conservative or liberal years ago, and the people within those parties have changed. So to say my party is the best, leads to the question at what period in history? It is the people within a given party at a given time, that make it great or not. <br /> <br />It is the people of Canada that rise up and reject things that they see as eroding Canada, that will save Canada in the end. It is wrong to follow blindly any ideal, person or party, you must be part of the leading, not just a follower.

[Mixer]

Who do I think can save Canada? <br /> <br />There was a time when Mel Hurtig had the capacity. Paul Hellyer once did as well. Both gave up on the idea of uniting the patriots. One chose another party; the second burned out (I can't blame him). Currently, I think the Green Party is close to the no-BS policy that could get things in line again. With major surgery the NDP could become that political vehicle. The neo-ons and the neo-liberals are both entirely lost. <br /> <br />I will not accept that the citizens are the body that will save Canada alone. They have to be mobilized. Since the war that rages is one so subtle, the battle alone will not wake them from their sleep. Organizations may (MAY) be able to bring awareness to what we all face. <br /> <br />The day the average Canadian rubs their eyes and says, "you know, it's time to change things around here," it will be far too late. Their eyes will open in the dark. They will mock reflections and will exist within the confines of the cage built around them. Theirs will be the Platonic hell - unknown. People talk less now about NAFTA, less now about nuclear proliferation, and less now about building a responsible society. All the while, the condition does not improve. <br /> <br />I won't pretend to know who has the answer. But, we should be looking for that force. Our failure to come together has already cost us too much.

[Brianne]

I didn't want to answer the question at first, because its a scary question to actually sit down and face... but it wouldn't leave me, and my annoying professor asked the same question. So: <br /> <br />No one is going to save Canada. Canada does not need to be saved. Canada while transform into what it needs to be to serve the people of Canada, in whatever capacity those people deem to be needed. Canada is young. One hundred and excuse my lack of mathematical skills old. The nation is still developing, and while we face massive problems, we will soon develop a national consciousness. My bet is, though, that it will not be health care or the environment which galvanizes the public, but our sovereignty, our ability to do what we as Canadians wish to do with our land and resources. The power that our politicians are giving away now will be the impetus to stand up for ourselves tomorrow. <br /> <br />So, if anyone is going to save Canada, I think it will be those who are trying to destroy her.

[Kory Yamashita]

Brianne, I hate to say I disagree with you. And Mixer, you too. <br /> <br />The question is incomplete anyways. Who will save Canada? No, first we must answer the question "Save Canada from what?". <br /> <br />Are we trying to save Canada from its current trend, its takeover by foreign corporations? <br /> <br />Or do you mean convincing the entire world to cut CO2 emissions so that we do not fall prey to the rapidly warming continent which will force species to relocate and kill off much fauna? <br /> <br />Or do you mean that we need to save Canada from the global economic depression resulting from the impending oil shortage that looms and threatens to dwarf the "Great Depression"? <br /> <br />Or are we talking about somehow stopping the US from it's psychotic plan to weaponize space, thereby avoiding the expected arms race and the (nuclear?) war that will result from the early stages of the above-mentioned economic depression? <br /> <br />I highly doubt any one person will save our country. There will definitely be a coalition of some time. Inevitably it will involve at least SOME political parties. If not current ones, then there will be the emergence of a new political entity. Or several. But most importantly, it will be a groundroots, peoples' movement. Because lets face it: Canadian media will never allow a true leader to be heard. <br /> <br />So it is the people who are discussing these things, spreading the word about climate change, peak oil, foreign ownership, and military sovereignty that will save us. <br /> <br />Will there be people who stand up and rally great crowds? Probably. But I have my doubts that one single leader will emerge to awaken Canadians. And if there IS one single leader, he (or she) will merely be a figurehead to give identity to a greater, more fragmented movement. <br /> <br />

[lesouris]

I think that if an NGO begins the trend, some (if not all) of the major political parties will fall into line. The problem is that activists don't earn enough respect/media attention any more. This NGO would have to do something innovative to get attention. If the CLC got involved, we could hold a nationwide General Strike to get attention. A ribbon campaign could work, or a bumper sticker one. It will take a lot of hard wok though, and let's just hope someone is up to it or get involved ourselves.

[z_whalen]

NGOs should be careful though. Sometimes they follow their cause so blindly, they can cause more harm than good. <img align=absmiddle src='images/smilies/confused.gif' alt='Confused'>