An Elected Senate: Recipe for Gridlock

Commentary, Politics, Frontier Centre

We can’t get rid of the Senate, nor would we want to do so. In quiet committees, removed from public gaze and the passions of the day, the senators perform a useful role, subjecting legislation to careful scrutiny. With greater experience than his colleagues in the House of Commons, a Senator can take a longer view and see unintended and unexpected consequences. And the cost is trivial.

Ambition Trumps Policy

Commentary, Politics, Frontier Centre

As Kiwis watch Kevin Rudd’s re-elevation to the Australian prime ministership, one curious thing becomes clear: this leadership bid had nothing to do with policy, but Mr Rudd’s character, and backbenchers afraid of losing their seats.

Who’s Afraid of Ron Paul?

Blog, Politics, Steve Lafleur

The Manning Centre for Building Democracy is currently holding its annual networking conference. Among their guest speakers is Ron Paul, a Texas congressman who made a high profile, though unsuccessful bid for the Republican Party presidential nomination in the last election cycle. Paul, a self-described “constitutional conservative” is a polarizing figure.

Evolving Media Narrative

Blog, Politics, Peter McCaffrey

Here’s an interesting article on the incredible evolving media narrative about the US economy ever since Barack Obama won re-election. Before the election, when good economic news helps the incumbent: In fact, one month before the election, the Times ran a …