Hearing former Premier John Hamm on CBC radio hectoring Nova Scotians for the low-turnout in the recent elections would be laughable if it weren’t so pathetic.
This would be the same former Premier John Hamm who issued $155 cheques on the eve of an election. In Nova Scotia this behaviour is known by the folksy, fun term of “pork barreling,” but in the rest of the world it’s called corruption, Dr. Hamm. Not exactly a shining example of democracy.
This would also be the same John Hamm who has provided lackadaisical leadership in the very mundane ($9-million) Democracy 250 celebration. This summer the good doctor took a little junket to London with another former preem (AKA democracy insider) to view documents and proclamations in London England.
No kids on that trip. No voters, either. But it was all on tax payer’s back. Elites going to celebrate the institution that is “of the people, by the people, for the people.” That’s some way to celebrate democracy, Dr. Hamm.
No wonder Nova Scotians are apathetic about their democracy. With leaders like Dr. Hamm, it’s easy to roll your eyes and shrug your shoulders.
It’s worthwhile mentioning that leaders like Dr. Hamm thrive on this apathy because this is how they get elected. The rump of vested interested will vote for those who fill their pockets and agendas, while the disengaged and cynical just don’t bother.
A truly inspired leader would reach out those alienated non-voters and engage them in a real conversation about democracy and participation. Those people aren’t going to respond to a lecture on CBC radio.
Leaders like Dr. Hamm do not make good mascots for democracy. The make a mockery of it.
If anyone needs to be hectored and lectured, it is our Dr. Hamm and his political ilk.
Don’t forget that Dr. Hamm then took those $155 cheques back a couple months after his party won the election.
Devin, Dr. Hamm is a charisma-less, self-righteous politician in the great tradition of Nova Scotia politics.