One immensely satisfying thing that’s happened to me in the last ten days has been an explosion of interest by young people. I have never done so many interviews with student newspapers, or spoken on so many campus radio stations, or received so many offers to speak to students, or heard of so many classes that are studying this blog (watch it, kids!), as has just occurred.
This is happening for two predictable reasons. First, kids love it when somebody pokes a stick in the eye of authority. This is akin to car chases, blowing up public property and graffiti. So, right now I am the spray can of politics. Second, this is their medium. To date, Canadian politics has been the stuff of newsprint and the ten o’clock news, both of which are being eschewed by the digital set. Apparently I am the first federal MP to blog in this fashion, accept comments from all quarters, accompany it with webcasting and – as a result – have his butt thrown out of the government for heresy.
Today’s young adults constitute, of course, the first online generation. This is where they get news, form opinions, talk to each other, get entertained, express themselves and create their own identities. In this, the most wired country in the world, these guys are leading us forward, giving a glimpse of what the future of politics will be, and it is incredibly rich. This medium – and these present and future voters – have the power to smash political elites, forever change how parties operate, define the authority of prime ministers and usher in a new kind of democracy.
The digital generation, in real time, is instantly informed and ready to react. They don’t need to be told by MSM reporters and columnists what to think. They don’t wait twelve hours for stories to be written, turned into page layouts, put on presses, and then be delivered on paper by 12-year-olds. They’re beyond being told by TV talking heads what matters and what doesn’t. They are their own media. We’re all media.
The implications for political leaders are profound. The fact no other MP that I know of has an interactive web site is a worry. The fact most MPs rely on brochures sent to homes as unaddressed admail underscores the digital divide being created. This will change, of course. But as it does, there will be a grinding between the 19th Century form of representation we have now – the PM as president, not elected directly by the people and demanding unanimity of thought – and the 21st Century political reality in which democracy gets messy again, people have far more access and control, and the top guy will be, by necessity, a broker and an inspirational leader.
This excites the digital crowd. Excites me. One thing about the future – it’s coming.
42 comments ↓
I (a 19 year old student in Aurora) am reading your blog five times a day because it’s a glimpse at the life of an MP in a human way. You don’t censor yourself or others (to an extent) on this site. You respond to people, you answer your phone, you honestly try to represent your consituents. Also, it’s one of the few web pages not blocked at my work (major bonus). Keep on keepin’ on!
You betcha it is! You should load your MPTV onto You Tube as well!
You’er defnitely on to something, Garth. The onset of the Internet and interactive media in general as served to democratize the media. If I were a politician, I would be all over it.
Hi Garth,
Congrats on leaving the Conservative Party, and I would like to add my
voice to those inviting you to join the Green Party. They are great
people, and will be a great voice in the future, and with your help
that could be sooner rather than later. Already the Parti Quebecois
has decided the environment will be their most important campaign
issue, and the environment is obviously dear to us all, being a part of
it.
Sophie
Montreal, Quebec
In the next GREAT CANADIAN poll you have my VOTE. Capt. Ed W.
Garth,
Enough of the whining! Living well is the best revenge.
Go to your inherent values & roots & pitch in with the Green Party.
Make history & make a difference by putting your mouth where your money is…
GO OVER TO THE GREEN PARTY!
Good luck & wishing you continued support.
Kirby & 10 Halton supporters
Hello Garth,
I recently received your Citizen’s Guide to a better Environment. I just wanted to take a second and say thankyou for this. I was thrilled to see our MP publishing information such as this! The environment is a major concern of mine….it drives me crazy to see the waste and mismanagement of our resources that I see each day. The SUV’s I see all over the road’s with one person in them is the most frustrating to me!
Anyways, I could go on and on! (i’m sure you have similar frustrations) I would like to say that I am a huge supporter of organic and sustainable farming and would like to see more support of our organic farmers. My wife and I buy only organic…not only is it healthier for us as humans but also for our environment. I’d like to encourage you to keep this in mind as you’re working with your colleagues in formulating future enviromental policies.
Keep up the great work!
Mark
Halton riding
If the PMO is responsible for this travesty – perhaps that should be the next blog story. The more I learn about Harper and his goons, the more I fear for democracy in this country. Hang in there Garth…Canadians need you!
KM
Stratford Ont
The fact no other MP that I know of has an interactive web site is a worry.
It would be nice if all politicians were doing what you’re doing, Garth, but first someone needs to find a way for politicians to immunize themselves from the “gotcha politics” that currently rule the day. Until then, most politicians, particularly those on the upper rungs of the political ladder, will remain too fearful to follow your lead. And I doubt the recent events surrounding you have done anything but reinforce those fears.
Truth be told, how I chose Green was going through each party website, and finding that each of their policy points had a voting and comment option. “Thumbs up” and “Thumbs down” and an option to say what you wanted to about it, and that they welcomed feedback.
Now this isn’t some thinly veiled plug for the Green party — you certainly get enough without the veil — but the point I’m making is that as a young Canadian, the political party that appealed the most was the one that made true use of the online media and made you feel part of the process. The other parties tell you what their policies are, the Greens presented them and asked for feedback. It was a textbook case of proper use of persuasive technology.
As far as this blog goes, I’ve got the RSS feed built into my browser and am recommending it to others to demonstrate what the MP of the future will be, or rather, what the leaders of the future will be like. I assist in facilitating workshops on “peace and leadership” and being the true servant-leader is the ideal model to contribute to a culture of peace. Being a servant-leader means being transparent, asking for feedback, and fighting for the rights of those you lead.
I look forward to many more blog posts.
KM, and you learn about Mr. Harper from Garth’s blogs? It doesn’t show much intelligence on your part. Most of the blogs are mainly used for bitch sessions or to spread propaganda and conspiracy theories. No facts are ever verified, just somebody’s story or perspective.
Take Garth’s whining – did anyone actually ask caucus members what he was like to deal with? Nope. Did anyone ask the PMO, what demands Garth put on the PM? Nope. On his last blog entry, he wrote “when the country mice confronted the pussies from the party”. And who were these “pussies”…. Women? Men who acted like women? Anyone ask what he meant by that? Nope.
One thing is for sure. I wouldn’t want to be a wife who was getting a divorce from him. Our whole miserable life would be on display to the world.
Catherine – before your next frontal assault, why don’t you respond to my last comment to you? Your credibility as a Harper apologist rests on it, I would think. As for the felines comment, why not quote both lines of my commentary, instead of just one, which allows you to dream up ridiculous sexually-oriented deviations, to wit: “Thought about that last night, too, during that Halton Conservative EDA meeting when the country mice confronted the pussies from the party. The Ottawa cats were there to basically lie to them, and the pesky rodents were having none of it.” – Garth
Hey Garth, If I ask a question in a post, how long should I keep checking back to see you if you’ve answered it? Once you’ve written other blog entries, do you go back and answer questions on earlier articles?
Thanks!
So, what’s the question? — Garth
Hello Garth,
I would just like to let you know that, as a young person and as a small-c conservative who believes in democracy, I support what you are doing 100%. It’s nice to have a politician who speaks to us on our own terms and tries to bring us into the discussion on the issues instead of just coming around at election time to deliver a few b.s. soundbites as though we were idiots. I may be a supporter of the Conservative Party in my riding, but if you run as an independent conservative in the next election, I’ll be sending you a $100 cheque, which is a lot on the budget of an undergraduate.
You wrote: “The implications for political leaders are profound. The fact no other MP that I know of has an interactive web site is a worry. The fact most MPs rely on brochures sent to homes as unaddressed admail underscores the digital divide being created.”
Garth, you are on the cutting edge of the digital democracy revolution big time. This blog is one-of-a-kind and should be emulated by every MP or MP-wannabe. The fact that other MPs haven’t done this is a great source of consternation to me and, I’m sure, a great many others. I just got one of those “brochures” from my MP, John Baird, and although I like the guy, dammit I wish he would take some tips from you.
We can only hope.
One immensely satisfying thing that’s happened to me in the last ten days has been an explosion of interest by young people.
Everyone has to watch the car wreck.
I’m going to break to rules of polite conversation, talking religion and politics.
When talking about personal convictions, Pope Pius XII (I think it was he, certainly not Benedict XVI) stated, “Follow your personal convictions even if it leads to excommunication.”
Sound familiar, Garth?
BTW, I just sent an e-mail to Mr. Baird with a copy of my comments above. It doesn’t look like Mr. Baird answers his own mail but maybe Ryan Janzen (the office guy who actually reads the mail) will pass it along.
Cheers
I have stated before on this blog Garth, that this is the beginning of the end for party politics as we know it. Your removal from asskiss…sorry, caucus, is just the fear of those who want to hold on to the way it was.
It is not necessary to be PM to be the leader now. The people crave more than what is spoonfed them from the PMO. We want to be enfranchised. To use the tools most Canadians have access to to help our elected shape our future and our present.
Your vision represents the deathknell for those like McVety and others who wish to control politics from the top. You tell people what you beleive, ask them what they beleive and go forward with a new vision.
Doug Finley etal must be having an interesting time trying to understand how to overcome this revolution. And revolution it is.
Go forth, and lead us to the promised land of grass roots politics. Canada needs you now more than ever.
Scott
Garth, Where does one outside your riding get your “Citizens Guide to a Better Environment?
It is posted under the “news” section of this site, where you can download it as a pdf. — Garth
I uploaded a couple of MPtv to Youtube. Here they are :
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=V3-UfEMQZ70
Scott, if a blog is used to discuss honestly, public policies, that would be great. However, usually blogs, including this one, usually resorts to insults and political rhetoric. I have been known to use them myself.
Most blogs tend to be another version of gossips. There is no facts to back up. There is no genuine counter balance to Garth’s insider stories. So how can we actually say that this is a digital democracy. Freedom of speech – and that is about it!
Garth: One of the local papers here in BC is running a poll, which states, “What is the least ethical aspect of Garth Turner’s move to the Green Party?” The poll then gives four choices:
a)The Conservatives for kicking him out?
b)Turner for getting kicked out?
c)The Green Party for accepting him?
d)The media’s fuss about it?
CMIIW (correct me if I’m wrong): Does that not more or less state or conclude that you have indeed joined the Green Party? Has anybody from The Langley Advance contacted you to get the straight goods? I have written to the editor of the paper to ask him to do three things:
a) read his own paper
b) read your blog and
c) contact you to get the story correct
Now, IF you have indeed decided just that, to join the Green Party, let us know. You may just start a stampede in that direction.
Aside to Stephen Harper: Your party did not win the last election, the Liberals lost it. There is a difference between a definite decision to change government, and holding the collective nose to choose the lesser of two evils. Keep that in mind the next time you decide that your form of Government Against The People, Over The People, and In Spite Of The People is the only way to govern.
Garth: As always, NILS ILLEGITIMUS CARBORUNDUM!
OCTJMO -ICBW – and for gosh sakes get yourself a decent looking motorcade — otherwise, people won’t believe you’re a politician
Garth, “pussies” is not an appropriate word to use. You may think that trying relate “mice” with it dilutes it’s common meaning, but, it doesn’t. But, I’m sure you are aware of that. Why not just use cats in the first sentences then, eh?
I think you need help for that hangup of yours. — Garth
Garth
I agree; traditionally there was considerable room for the MSM to toss out a story, enjoy a period before the accuracy of the story was determined and any inaccuracies could be pointed out. Now the accuracy/reliability/lack of substance of reporting is making its way through cyberspace in minutes. No wonder newspaper chains are in freefall.
I’ve been a fairly regular reader of your blog for the last couple months or so, and find it both interesting and enlightening. It’s really neat as an average Canadian to see behind the scenes of this fabled, and at times out-of touch place that calls itsself: ‘The Hill.
I think, the whole ‘digital democracy’ movement that this blog, and site kicks off, can only help democracy by putting governments back in touch with the people.
Keep up the good work
-Laura
Some responses to comments…
“It would be nice if all politicians were doing what you’re doing, Garth, but first someone needs to find a way for politicians to immunize themselves from the “gotcha politics†that currently rule the day.”
What people need to realize is that this is the immunization to “gotcha politics.” When voters can come online, and read someones true thoughts and see what they are really all about, the petty attacks and media sidelines all fall away.
“Everyone has to watch the car wreck.”
ahh, the voice of the people who set all this in motion in the first place. No one is looking at a car wreck here. They are looking for the first time at their political system with hope. That someone will actually do the things thay say, and have a record of those things where anyone can come to take a look. I for one wish I was living in Halton. It would be nice to have someone on the ballet that I actually feel is worth voting for.
JM
Catherine,
One needs to see beyond the rhetoric, to filter what they think about the postings.
If all Canadian politicians were as enlightened as Garth as to the use of the mediums available we would all be better off, and informed.
If you see this as a useless forum why would you be here save too see what the enlightened have to think.
Scott
Bring on the youth vote Garth! You’d be the first MP in history to engage them, and inspire them. For that, you would receive their respect- and their votes.
(Oh btw, Catherine, quit being a pussy (meow))
Catherine
Blogs are the new “watercooler” this forum is meant to be open and transparent with everyone’s “opinion” and “rhetoric” and “BS” etc THat is the point of a BLog … each one of us needs to filter out what we think is not correct. Newspapers and pundits are the same thing “rhetoric, BS and opinions. Catherine you Blow your share of smoke as well!!!!
Say Garth, you big egotist, enjoy your 15 minutes of fame, by suppertime, no one will even remember your name…
[… 885 minutes later …]Say Garth, you traitor, enjoy your 15
minuteshours of fame, by daylight no one will recognize who you are …[… 345 hours later …]Say Garth, you fake Conservative, enjoy your 15
hoursdays of fame, by payday no one will remember stuff … about you …[… 442 days later …]Say Garth, you really really bad man, enjoy your 15
daysmonths of fame, by next election … nobody … oh never mind, jerk …[… 165 months later …]Say Garth, you long-lived bastard of an enigma prick stupid #&!¢♣, did you enjoy your 15
monthsyears of fame? Sure you did, liar …[… this stupid guy can last that much longer can he, I just wish he would go away …]Catherine, please put on a bustier for Halloween and have someone loosen it up for you! You are wound up waaaay too tight lady….. and before you go all ballistic on me…I’m female and I can appreciate Garth’s humour, I guess you can’t…..suks to be you!
Yea isn’t digital democracy great!!!!!
I know that thousands of Conservatives have used e-mail to ask the party for your head for the last 6 months…..a great tool for all indeed!
in the midst of nuanced discussion, it is amusing to see comments from Harper apologists, like the one above.
BG, what humour? Oh yeah, making fun at other people’s expense and reputation – at the same time elevating oneself to adorn by groupies. Nope, can’t say I do enjoy that type of humour. I guess some of us were raised properly – and it appear it wasn’t you.
Caveat to John G,
I can’t wait to see the ‘evidence’ to your claim and also your ‘knowledge’(digital libel?) so lay off propogating rumours and innuendo- or YOU too will be held accountable.
I suggest that you pay attention; Halton is chock FULL of supporters including the membership association to whom the party is accountable!
JM,
Please notice in the next blog entry that Garth says he can now make statements freely on behalf of us.
Perhaps you could request him to make your statement?
“They are looking for the first time at their political system with hope. That someone will actually do the things thay say, and have a record of those things where anyone can come to take a look.”
I would add that the Hansard needs to show real questions posed and real answers given. Honest answers like “I don’t know but I’ll find out”, or solid answers like “Let’s talk more about this and strike a committee” (and then do it) or “that might not be a good idea because…”.
Garth can now take the best of what we as citizens have to offer and represent us in Ottawa, those ideas that reflect what we want to see happening in government work, committee work, QP work. Our voice, free and unfettered. You are so right expressing that hope JM
Many people feel the same way.
First online generation? I hope that you are including my generation (baby boomer). It was our generation which took informatics to the point where it could become affordable and user friendly (Bill Gates is in his mid- to late-fifties). The new generation is the first to have access to this technology which we developed. The generation preceding mine got the ball rolling.
If you look at the big picture, we really do not have on-line politics here in Canada. Garth is the only federal MP who has his blog and MPTV. The others do not. Perhaps in 10 years, we will see more of this, but the wheels of change move slowly.
I know about change because my generation brought about huge social changes in a very short period of time (think 60s and 70s). Some of those changes were for the better and others produced unrest which is rearing its head today. We were in a hurry and we are paying the price as well as enjoying the benefits.
Will electronic politics be a good thing or a bad thing? Time will tell.
Hey Catherine
Just in case your seat on the censor board is just a little too hot, allow me to clear up a few things about the word Pussy.
I guess you go after Walt Disney for using it too by the way.
Pussy can be used to describe many things. Yes it can be and is often used to describe female genitalia, but it also is used to define the actual animal (feline in case you didn’t know). It is also used to describe certain types of people that cannot tolerate pain. It is also used describe people that are cowards. It is also used to define people that do a lot of whining for no reason. (I guess you would fit in to some of those, especially the last one.)
What i find most interesting about your objection is that you thought immediately of the reference to the female anotomy. Too much time in those chat rooms? Or if Garth would have used the word dogs, you probably would have thought he was referring to the only the female members of parliament perhaps. Personally, I took it to mean the cowards on the hill. Didn’t even think of the female anotomy until you brought it up. So who’s wrong here? Who has no education and obviously is looking for anything to stir the pot? Take a good long look in the mirror and you’ll find your answer. Grow up Catherine and get your mind out of the gutter.
Catherine, I pity your poor soul as you must not have a happy life. Contrary to your statement, I was raised properly, to be tolerant of others and to appreciate that others may not have the exact same opinion as mine but that they are entitled to theirs. Therefore you can say what you will but I hope that you take that bitter politically correct pill out of your mouth and say soemthing nice for a change.
[...] Social Media& Politics29 Oct 2006 02:29 pm Garth wants to be a digital boy The latest from Garth Turner: The digital generation, in real time, is instantly informed and r [...]
Well given that Garth is upset with his current situation, “pussies” probably doesn’t mean anything cute and cudley in this context.
Personally, I really don’t care if Garth wants to subject himself to this type of language. He usually tries to iratate people to get his 15 minutes of fame. You do remember, that he inadvertanly upset many Christians with his “Taliban” remark?
Garth, who, as an MP, I had excepted a bit better decorum from him…. but, hey each to own.
Good post! 100% agreed!
As an aside – get your web guy to look into threaded comments! All of the italics/bolding is getting confusing.