Dare, act, influence… that is politics
In the recent past, many women looked to disassociate themselves from the “feminist” label. Today one can say that a good part of the population holds a similar opinion about political activity.
But, what exactly is politics?
The word is derived from the Greek word, polis, from ancient Greek meaning city-state. So, taken in the broad sense of the word, politics refers to the organization of life in society. Unless living in total isolation from the rest of the world, we are all concerned, because we are all citizens.
We all make political moves every day. To various degrees. In the family home, in our communities, in a charity, sport or recreational association, at work, in a union assembly, in discussions among friends. The choices we make, the actions we take, the influence we exert, all of it can be brought back to politics.
I am being political by addressing you as women since you represent more than half of society, and therefore, the men are included in that expression. And when I encourage you to actively participate in the debates and decision-making, whether in your local union assemblies or in another forum, I am inviting you to be political.
I think that being political is asserting oneself, expressing one’s point of view, defending one’s values, acting to change things. Obviously, the expression, political, can also mean other things: political neutrality, empty-chair politics, step-by-step politics… Which type do you practice?
With Bill C-377, the Harper government is practicing scorched earth politics. The workers’ associations are nothing more than squeaky wheels to the Right wing and the powers of finance. This government will therefore not back down from anything in order to minimize the collective power of the workers and bring down the middle class to a simple tool at the service of the economy.
Women have understood that their gains are in jeopardy and they have acted. Unionized workers must do the same, and quickly!
In order to preserve the rights that those before us have fought for, improve our working and living conditions more and to leave the world a little better off for those who will follow us, one must dare, one must act, one must influence! Doing otherwise, that would be practicing head in the sand politics.
My best wishes for a very happy holiday season to all!