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comic relief is an important part of politics ; latest handy example being, the irony in how the leader of the Green Party ends her ramble down memory lane, back to the Democratic convention in Chicago, 1968.* Elizabeth May says “I did get a lesson in democracy. … I learned that those with power can abuse their power. I learned that the only thing that ensures we live in a healthy democracy is constant vigilance”. Of course we all agree with that noble pronouncement – in principle! – but woe to someone who actually practices it, then has the audacity to publish her conclusion

After the president of the Green Party, Paul Estrin, used the Green Party website for siding with one faction in the conflict in old Palestine, Monika Shaefer – one of the founders of that Party – started thinking for herself and getting the facts about the foundational myth of the Israeli ethnic nation-state. That was bad enough, but – naif that she was – she expressed her opinion about what she’d learned!!. When the video of her epiphany went viral, Elizabeth May did her impression of Leslie Gore belting-out a tune from the same era = “it’s my Party! ” … and I’ll fly into a tizzy if I want to.

Fade out to the sound of Elvis Costello singing : “I used to be disgusted. Now I just try to be amused”

Gordon S Watson

Justice Critic, Party of Citizens Who Have Decided To Think For Ourselves & Be Our Own Politicians