WOOLWICH OBSERVER EDITOR HAMMERS POLITICIANS

Last Saturday's Woolwich Observer has an Editorial by Steve Kannon titled "Politicians and bureaucrats are self-serving, but they still call it democracy". Quoting Steve "Canada's system of democratic representation is faltering if a majority of Canadians do not believe their interests are well represented by their elected representatives.". Further "...the study found Canadians feel their MPs represent their political party better than they do their constituents...".

Commenting on democracy in general Steve says "Hearing directly from Canadians should prompt politicians to act in our best interests, a different message than the one they hear from well-financed corporate lobbyists on a daily basis.". Also Steve says "The current process is unethical, dishonest and secretive, which means politicians are more likely to make decisions that are bad for the average Canadian, while favouring corporate interests.".

As for accountability "Politicians write the rules for themselves. They prefer no rules, but failing that they draft rules with no enforcement. If there must be enforcement, then there are no penalties for breaking the rules.".

The bottom line for Steve Kannon is "...politicians are reluctant to do the right thing- we need to force them to do what Canadians want.".

Wow! Steve sure doesn't pull his punches. This is the reality of democracy in Canada. It is pathetic and getting worse and it boils down to an ethical deficit at the top of all levels of government.