Fool for Christ : the political thought of J.S. Woodsworth

In the years before the Progressive Conservative victory in the federal election of 1984, George Perlin of Queen's University authored a book with the provocative thesis that the Conservative Party suffered from a "syndrome" peculiar to losing political parties. A malady had developed over the decades of electoral reversals. Adversity had bred an institutionalized party of opposition. Party ranks had become populated by those feeling perpetually on the outside. Long years in opposition meant that for many the expression of criticism and negative sentiments were the mainstays of political dialogue. "A party which is habitually in opposition becomes absorbed entirely in the strategy and tactics of criticism," wrote Perlin. "It tends to approach all debate with an attacking, destructive style."(f.1)Perlin's perceptions of the PCs provide a useful guide for those seeking insight into the party's history. Back - to - back electoral victories in the 1980s have dramatically changed party behaviour and orientation. The transition from a party of habitual opposition to one able to broker a successful electoral coalition is a fascinating evolution. Equally fascinating is the parallel debate being played out in the ranks of the federal and provincial NDP over the differences between principled socialist opposition and cautious, fiscally responsible government. A guide to the historical context for this parallel debate can be gathered from the assorted works surveyed here. The current tensions between long - held points of social and economic criticism, and the proclaimed demands of government, have deep roots.NDP premiers, such as Ontario's Bob Rae, are finding themselves questioned by federal compatriots about their loyalty to traditional party sentiments relating to economic and budgetary matters. In return, Rae and his provincial counter - parts maintain that responsible leadership involves consideration for constraints such as debt loads and credit ratings. Rae, in fact, has adapted the notion of an opposition mentality to his fellow Ontario New Democrats. The following passage from his speech of Nov. 29, 1992 to the Ontario New Democratic Party Provincial Council might have been employed by Perlin with regard to the Conservatives in opposition:The culture of the Party for many years was that of a Party in Opposition. I think it is fair to say that the Party in Opposition did not spend a whole lot of time talking about how to do things. I think it is fair to say that the Party in Opposition spent a great deal of time talking about what, in an ideal world, we would like to do.This language of Opposition which is almost internal to our - selves in terms of the dialogue which goes on within us is one which really has to change to a language which deals very directly with what we can do and how we must do it well.(f.2)Rae's portrait of the New Democratic Party tradition stands in stark contrast to what is normally presented. More common is the image of visionaries seeking a more just world order in the face of voter uncertainty, corporate opposition, and the poaching of their platforms by vote - seeking brokerage parties. Dedication to a cause and a set of principles were praised as fundamental virtues. Within this self - conception party members were under - standably sceptical about those who asserted the language of governmental necessities and financial limitations.As was the case for the Progressive Conservatives, the sense of being opposed to prevailing conditions and power balances has a long history. Going back to the early days of the CCF, one finds remembrances of individuals sacrificing in hopes of winning symbolic victories and public awakening. Tales of early reformers taking on the established order figure prominently in party annals. Armed with an extensive critique of the social order, CCF activists worked in hopes of long - term, fundamental change. …