What do we really want?

There's been talk lately of a new political party in Québec. A few people have decided that there is a hole in our political landscape, so they want to form a right-of-centre party that does not have a particular agenda when it comes to separatist/federalist sentiment. For those of you unfamiliar with Québec politics, this hole does exist. Frankly I think they are also riding on the political unrest in the U.S. that has spawned the Tea Party, trying to create a buzz in a public that seems much more interested in the score of last night's hockey game.

I'm not going to share my specific political views in this blog. But I was triggered by a Twitter comment from a federal MP asking an open question: do we think this new party is a good idea?

So I'm going to answer his question by saying what WOULD be a good idea, in my humble opinion. I think we should start up a political party that:

1. is led by someone charismatic but ultimately honest, ethical who truly wants to improve society and isn't scared to do just that;
2. has members that put making a difference before making the front page of the newspaper or making their friends rich;
3. has political views and policies that are consistent, based on a vision for society, that they can support with research and proven successes;
4. can tell me, in 60 seconds or less, what they want to sell me, the voter (I am a potential customer and I want to hear their elevator speech);
5. is made up of real people who have successes and mistakes in their past, and that are not afraid to stand up in public and say "yes, I did that, I may have been wrong but it's all part of the learning curve; I intend to do better";
6. has a sense of humour regarding their weak spots;
7. has considered what history has to offer in terms of advice and looks to the future with excitement;
8. wants to hear what I think, what my neighbours think, what my kids think, what my parents think.

Because I truly believe that THIS is the hole in our political landscape. It's probably the hole in most political landscapes, whether it is in Québec, somewhere else in Canada or elsewhere in the world.

Imagine what it would be like if our political leaders were like this? Maybe we'd have that better world that everyone seems to promise!