I have nothing against youth, I was young myself once. However, an error of youth is to believe that intelligence is a substitute for experience; while an error of age is to believe experience is a substitute for intelligence. Mr. Ignatieff would do well to ensure that in his drive to rejuvenate his party and policies, he does not ignore or alienate the older constituency. That would be a mistake.
Pure intelligence will get you only so far, unless it is meshed with “emotional intelligence” and “social intelligence.” People can have a very high IQ but be remarkably weak when it comes to thinking rationally. I don’t for moments suggest that Mr. Ignatieff is not rational –in fact, he might be too rational for many – it can be misinterpreted as arrogance. However, youth worship can also lead to perdition politically, unless he keeps one foot on the throttle and the other on the brakes, and his eyes on the road.
Showing posts with label Liberals. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Liberals. Show all posts
Saturday, May 2, 2009
Tuesday, December 9, 2008
The Liberal coronation...
On Nov.28th I wrote in a letter to the editor of the Star:
I predict that something like this will happen: The opposition parties, tired of playing political poker with the Harper & co. will pull the plug anyhow, as they should. They will likely have Dion move up his resignation date and then appoint Michael Ignatieff as temporary leader of the coalition, until an election can be held –after the Liberal convention and the resolution of the current economic crisis. After all, though not ideal, Ignatieff is all ready the Deputy Opposition Leader.
December 8th, I wrote in my blog ( http://sroseth.blogspot.com):
I see another scenario possible: that Rae quits the race. If the two go at it, only the Conservative will be winners. This is his time to stand up for Canada, and put politics and his own ego behind him. If he takes it to a vote, he will waste time, effort and money for nothing. If I read him right, and if he is as honourable and intelligent as I think him to be, I think he will take the high road and fold earlier, rather than later. We'll soon know.
The Liberal Party is now at a crossroads: If they play it right, they might be the governing party sooner than later. Here is how it might unfold:
Ignatieff bides his time, holding the “coalition Damocles Sword” over Harpers head; he can bring about much of the Liberal agenda without the risks inherent in governing the country in his time of economic uncertainty. If Harper falls on his sword –which he likely will-Ignatieff will be the knight in shining armor, riding the vanguard of the Liberals coming too save the day.
On a personal level, Ignatieff needs to soften his demanour – more humor and less gravitas. Of course, he will likely have Bob Rae as his sidekick, and Rae has the joviality Ignatieff lacks. The two should be a fine team.
I wager that Harper will rue his rash and precipitous actions of late. Now he will face a man with superior intellect and likely a better strategic thinker and tactician than him. As the saying goes: he was hoisted by his own petards.
I predict that something like this will happen: The opposition parties, tired of playing political poker with the Harper & co. will pull the plug anyhow, as they should. They will likely have Dion move up his resignation date and then appoint Michael Ignatieff as temporary leader of the coalition, until an election can be held –after the Liberal convention and the resolution of the current economic crisis. After all, though not ideal, Ignatieff is all ready the Deputy Opposition Leader.
December 8th, I wrote in my blog ( http://sroseth.blogspot.com):
I see another scenario possible: that Rae quits the race. If the two go at it, only the Conservative will be winners. This is his time to stand up for Canada, and put politics and his own ego behind him. If he takes it to a vote, he will waste time, effort and money for nothing. If I read him right, and if he is as honourable and intelligent as I think him to be, I think he will take the high road and fold earlier, rather than later. We'll soon know.
The Liberal Party is now at a crossroads: If they play it right, they might be the governing party sooner than later. Here is how it might unfold:
Ignatieff bides his time, holding the “coalition Damocles Sword” over Harpers head; he can bring about much of the Liberal agenda without the risks inherent in governing the country in his time of economic uncertainty. If Harper falls on his sword –which he likely will-Ignatieff will be the knight in shining armor, riding the vanguard of the Liberals coming too save the day.
On a personal level, Ignatieff needs to soften his demanour – more humor and less gravitas. Of course, he will likely have Bob Rae as his sidekick, and Rae has the joviality Ignatieff lacks. The two should be a fine team.
I wager that Harper will rue his rash and precipitous actions of late. Now he will face a man with superior intellect and likely a better strategic thinker and tactician than him. As the saying goes: he was hoisted by his own petards.
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