Conservative Policy Convention: The Youth Wing, David Warrren, Ezra Levant

Young Tories plan to defect -- Take up Liberal taunt to join party -- Anger over vote against youth wing Mar. 23, 2005, Andrew Mills, Toronto Star via Jack's Newswatch

[. . . . ] "The Conservative Party of Canada has just denied you a voice," it reads. "Do not despair. You can join a party that allows you the right to BE HEARD."

Yes, they can be HEARD, but when it comes time to vote, the PM and the PMO will TELL THEM HOW TO VOTE. If that is what they can accept, then they are better off as Liberals. NJC

[. . . . ] And what the party said — in the closest vote of the convention — was that Conservatives will continue the Reform and Alliance parties' practice of not giving special status to young delegates at conventions.

Unlike the former Progressive Conservatives, the Liberals and just about every mainstream political party in the Western world, this Conservative party won't have an active contingent of young delegates at conventions.

Young members won't become powerful political pawns, advocates who shape the party's agenda and voting blocs just waiting to be mobilized by crafty candidates trying to get elected by the party. [. . . . ]

So many of our youth are not too used to the word "no" for many reasons, not the least of which is the parenting where the little darlings have been used to getting their own way too much and getting what they want too often. First, the young need to be part of a political party which is devoted to all age groups where they will hear points of view not their own. Then, if they listen they may learn something -- or they may choose not to. Anyway, they need the experience. I am rather surprised at how badly they take a disappointment. I see both pro and con for a youth wing. More for the inability to accept the decision of the majority of approximately 3000 members than because I am against a youth wing, I do believe the vote not to have a youth wing was the correct one. The young need to stop and think before stomping out in a huff over one vote. There will be others.




David Warren: "Strategizing Tory" Mar. 23, 05

[. . . . ] The differences among delegates, as expected, were on the social, legal, moral questions. Faced with an implacably hostile bureaucratic, media, and academic establishment, who are in love with their latest project to redesign the traditional family, the party is timid. Overwhelmed by the "culture of death" (of nihilism and narcissism) in our Canadian elites, they do not even dream of opposing late-term abortions.

This is where the Conservative Party fails Canadians at large. For unless an articulate and courageous fight is waged, to maintain or restore the key moral values in our society, the people at large begin to give up on them. The moral values of the people themselves require leadership and vindication in politics, for a society to hold together. [. . . . ]

Party poopers -- Stronach and MacKay need to be taken down a peg Ezra Levant, March 21, 2005

How odd that it is the Conservatives who the media tag with the conspiratorial accusation of harbouring a "hidden agenda." It is possible to know where Conservatives stand on moral issues -- just ask them.

Liberals who swear allegiance to the weathervane of opinion polls or a dithering prime minister are the ones to be wary of. We can respect someone with whom we disagree. It is harder to respect a Liberal cabinet that voted against same-sex marriage in 1999, but that now calls such a position immoral and a gross violation of human rights and the Charter. [. . . . ]

I agree totally with the above comments. Check the article for Ezra's comments on Stronach and MacKay.