By Gord Lawson (Provincial and SW Council Rep) I attended the last Provincial Council for the Ontario NDP. As the second day rolled around I was feeling somewhat frustrated with what seemed to be a lack of what a gentleman at the ON NDP’s Southwest Council meeting referred to as the “Bigger Story.” It was part of a question he put to Andrea Horwath and he added that we had to learn from our defeat in the last federal election (and the last Provincial election too).
At Provincial Council, a speaker was introduced as the new national director of the NDP. His name was Robert Fox. As he began to speak, the usual chatter which often occurs around tables at a convention was going on, but not for long. Within a couple of minutes everyone in the room was silent and fully attentive.
This man, in a calm and direct way then proceeded to communicate with what I will call the healthier part of me and, I believe, most of the people in that hall. His message was compassionate, clear and direct, full of purpose and determination. It gave me hope. It made me realize that I was not alone in feeling the need for courage to face the task of reining in corporate power and reducing the harmful tendencies that have grown to be a subconsciously accepted part of our society.
As he spoke, I felt the enthusiasm and revitalization of many others in the room who I think may have been feeling some of the same discouragement that I had been feeling.
When he finished many got up and expressed their gratitude and one man his regret that Robert was not running for the leadership of the Party. I couldn't agree with him more. If you get the chance, read what he writes and listen to what he says. Perhaps it will give you the encouragement that I got to carry on trying to make this country a better place to live.
At Provincial Council, a speaker was introduced as the new national director of the NDP. His name was Robert Fox. As he began to speak, the usual chatter which often occurs around tables at a convention was going on, but not for long. Within a couple of minutes everyone in the room was silent and fully attentive.
This man, in a calm and direct way then proceeded to communicate with what I will call the healthier part of me and, I believe, most of the people in that hall. His message was compassionate, clear and direct, full of purpose and determination. It gave me hope. It made me realize that I was not alone in feeling the need for courage to face the task of reining in corporate power and reducing the harmful tendencies that have grown to be a subconsciously accepted part of our society.
As he spoke, I felt the enthusiasm and revitalization of many others in the room who I think may have been feeling some of the same discouragement that I had been feeling.
When he finished many got up and expressed their gratitude and one man his regret that Robert was not running for the leadership of the Party. I couldn't agree with him more. If you get the chance, read what he writes and listen to what he says. Perhaps it will give you the encouragement that I got to carry on trying to make this country a better place to live.
