Proportional Representation in Canada

 

Electoral reform is one of the most significant issues when it comes to the Canadian political scene. This is especially considering that there have been calls for the establishment of a more proportional system of government aimed at promoting the continued expansion of the democratic space in the country. The adoption of a proportional representation electoral system, despite the resistance it has got from a number of the major political parties, has the potential of making sure that there is the achievement of greater representation in parliament. I make the argument that the adoption of proportional representation will ensure that there is the establishment of fair voting policies, a reduction of exaggerated differences between the regions, and that government policy is established with the consent of the majority will of parliament.

The adoption of a proportional system of representation will ensure that there is the establishment of fair voting policies. The current voting system is one that essentially gives parties a false majority in parliament and this creates a situation where it is difficult to ensure that the will of the people is fulfilled. Instead, the political party with a parliamentary majority ends up essentially dictating policy without necessarily having to consult with other political parties and actors (Kedar, Harsgor, & Sheinerman, 2016). A consequence of this situation is that it ends up leading to the failure of the system being democratic because there is essentially a dictatorship over the political scene by one political party that does not represent the interests of all the members of society. Therefore, the adoption of a proportional representation system will make sure that there is the reduction of incidents of one party dictatorship over government policy because under such a system, all parties that pass a certain threshold in the elections will be eligible to gain parliamentary seats (Döring & Manow, 2017). Under such circumstances, fairer voting policies will not only encourage more individuals in society to vote, but it will also allow for political parties with a diversity of ideas that are good for the nation to gain representation.

Proportional representation has the potential of bringing an end to those instances where there are exaggerated differences between the various regions of the country. This is especially the case considering that political parties in Canada tend to be either regional, or are parties that favor some regions over others (Davidson et al., 2017). The current political system is therefore one that is skewed towards the parties that have the most parliamentary power; meaning that there is little democratic policy making.  Instead, the party that has a majority essentially favors those regions that it has the most support to the detriment of others. Therefore, the adoption of an electoral system that has proportional representation at its center ensures that there is the advancement of equal advantages for all the regions of Canada irrespective of political parties. Regional differences have often been exaggerated and exploited by regional political parties in order to ensure that they are able to maintain strong voter bases. However, with the introduction of proportional representation, it is likely that such moves will no longer be able to work for political parties. Instead, parties will focus more on the development of policies based on consensus rather than seeking to gain popularity in those regions where they believe that their power lies.

A significant aspect of proportional representation is that it ensures that governance is conducted by the will of the majority of parliament. In the current Canadian system, the political party that has a majority can make policies without having to consult with other parties (Norris, 1997). This is a trend that will no longer be able to work in a system where there is proportional representation because it will involve a situation where the party in power has to consult with all others before developing and implementing policies. Furthermore, under such a system, it is likely that no party will have an absolute majority in parliament meaning that it will be essential for coalitions to be formed and greater consultation to be made; making policies more democratic (Thames, 2017). Under such circumstances, it will be possible to make sure that there is the advancement of policies that benefit all the people in society that are represented in parliament rather than only a specific group of people, as is currently the case. It is also possible that minorities will also obtain greater representation especially considering that they currently have very little representation (Lazarus & Hall, 2016).

In conclusion, a proportional representation electoral system is pertinent because it will allow for democratic decision-making by government. It will further ensure that there is the creation of an environment where all political parties and their followers are able to gain the representation that can promote the achievement of greater democratic space. A consequence of such a situation is that the new system will make sure that there is the advancement of democracy throughout all the regions of Canada irrespective of political affiliation.

Impact of William Jennings Bryan

 William Jennings Bryan was one of the greatest political figures in the history of America. He was an individual that was well known for his strong stances against injustice as well as being an extremely moral individual based on his Christian beliefs. Moreover, he was a great orator who came to influence the manner through which presidential campaigns are conducted to this day. A consequence of this situation was that he ended up being nominated to run for president by the Democratic Party three times (Kazin, 2007, p. 94); which was a feat that few have ever achieved. Bryan was an individual who promoted a number of causes including an opposition to the gold standard, the spread of democratic ideals, being opposed to American imperialism, support for prohibition, and an opposition to Darwinism.

One of the most important stances taken by Bryan was that he was extremely opposed to the gold standard. He believed that this currency standard was one that essentially promoted the interests of the eastern elites at the expense of common people in society. He felt that it would be best to ensure that rather than having a gold standard, there was a situation where a bimetallic currency standard was adopted. A bimetallic standard involved the use of both gold and silver as bases for the currency so that it would be able to ensure that all people in the country, especially the commoners, were able to benefit from it (Kazin, 2007, p. 95). This stance was important in ensuring that he gained considerable support within the Democratic Party that ended up bringing about his being nominated as a presidential candidate by the party. His strong stance when it came to the opposition to the gold standard and support for the rights of the commoners in society ensured that he maintained control over the Democratic Party for many years until such a time as his stances became unpopular with other party elites following his losses in presidential elections.

Another stance that Bryan took was that there was need to ensure that the United States took leadership in the spread of democracy across the world. This stance was one that saw America as the bastion of democracy and self-determination and it was his firm belief that human development and prosperity could not be possible without democracy. While he was on principle opposed to the use of the American military when it came to forcing American interests of other countries, Bryan ended up feeling that it could be used for helping people across the world achieve self-determination. This position was essential especially when it came to the Spanish-American War, where despite his opposition to military intervention, Bryan promoted the idea that it was important for Spanish colonies to be given the right of self-rule (Kazin, 2007, p. 91). He became an important advocate for the war, but rather than doing so for imperial reasons, he sought to ensure that there was the establishment of means through which the Spanish colonies would be given the right to determine their own future rather than living under the yoke of imperial rule. Therefore, his support for the Spanish-American War was based on a firm belief that European colonialism was a hindrance to the democratic process.

However, despite his promotion of the use of the military to ensure the spread of democracy, Bryan was opposed to imperialism of all types. He envisioned a role for the United States as being an example of what a truly democratic state was and considered any attempt by the country to acquire territories as essentially being a betrayal of its founding ideals. This was especially the case considering that at the time, in the late nineteenth century, European nations were actively promoting their imperialistic agendas in Africa and Asia, where they were acquiring new colonies and subjugating the native people of those continents. Bryan was opposed to such moves by the United States and following the Spanish-American War was against the manner through which America gained territorial concessions from Spain where it ended up securing the Philippines in order to establish a military base (Kazin, 2007, p. 89). Bryan looked upon this process as being a betrayal of American ideals and came to compare the move as the United States becoming an imperialist power in the same way that Britain and other European powers had become. This stance was one that he maintained even when he was Secretary of State for President Woodrow Wilson, and it also encouraged his opposition to American entry into the First World War.

Bryan was an individual that took an extremely moralist position when it came to social issues in America. A position that he took and defended considerably was his support for the prohibition. Bryan was raised in an extremely religious environment, which saw the consumption of alcohol as essentially being against the moral values of society. A result of this situation was that he gave his full support for the prohibition and campaigned for it until such a time as it was made a part of the law. His moral stance concerning this matter was so great that he ended up in a situation where despite his being a staunch Democrat, he refused to support those presidential candidates that he believed were against the prohibition. Another aspect of his strong moral stance was the support that he gave to the matter of women suffrage, and this was such a great success that it was made into law. The achievement of this goal cannot be underestimated especially considering that at the time, women suffrage was still a contentious issue in society.

Bryan’s opposition to Darwinism was also extremely well-known in American society. His stance was exemplified through his representation of the World Christian Fundamentals Association in the Scopes Trial where he argued based on his Christian beliefs. In the end, he was able to win the trial because he believed that the adoption of Darwinism would essentially create an environment where there was no moral authority in society. Instead, a society where the strong dominated the weak would be created and this would bring about a situation where all moral values would be meaningless.

In conclusion, William Jennings Bryan was a highly influential individual in the United States both when in politics and later as a private citizen. He promoted ideals that were aimed at protecting commoners, who were a majority in society, against the excesses of the elite. Moreover, he was a true democrat who believed in a world governed by democracy and was opposed to any form of imperialism; which he believed to be detrimental to the principle of self-determination.

 Reference

Kazin, M. (2007). A godly hero: The life of William Jennings Bryan: Anchor.

Jack Sparrow Entrance Theme Song in Pirates of the Caribbean

 

Jack Sparrow’s entrance theme in Pirates of the Caribbean: Curse of the Black Pearl is an extremely interesting piece of music that essentially makes the individual listening to it feels elevated. This is especially considering that it is one that essentially seeks to enhance the character of Jack Sparrow in such a way as to show him as being heroic. A consequence is that in the process, it allows for the development of a situation where a sense of respect for the character is established. While this may be the case, one of the most significant effects of this song, especially at its beginning, is that it promotes a situation where there is the development of a sudden interest not only in the character that is depicted, but also in the film itself. It is not only heroic, but it also seeks to advance a scenario where the listener is able to develop a feeling of confidence.

The achievement of the goal of making the entrance song heroic is important because it helps to bring about the reinforcement of the audience’s interest in the film while at the same time making sure that the main character is introduced. The theme song is also essential when it comes to creating a sudden liking for the character of Jack Sparrow, whose image is greatly enhanced by the song. It creates great expectations towards him in such a way that there is the expectation that he will not only be heroic, but also respected in such a way that will make the film more interesting. The song therefore ensures that the audience has a feel-good moment concerning the protagonist before as well as themselves because they end up feeling as if they are also a part of the events taking place.

The song is also extremely enjoyable because it essentially seeks to present that character being depicted as heroic despite the pathetic condition in which he finds himself. It ensures that there is the audience develops sympathetic feelings towards Jack Sparrow in such a way that they come to identify with him. This song also makes sure that there is the feeling of confidence in the listener in such a way that it allows for the creation of an atmosphere of comfort and wellbeing. Under such circumstances, it can be used for the sake of cheering one up especially following situations that are depressing or when the individual is in a bad mood. In the film, the song is essential in breaking off the dark and forbidding mood that has been brought about by the previous scene where Will Turner meets Elizabeth Swann during their childhood. The Jack Sparrow entrance theme makes sure that there is not only a reduction of the tension created, but it also makes the audience feel that everything will get better. Towards its end, the song takes on a dramatic tone, which ensures that the listener is able to not only get a feeling of excitement, but also makes sure that there is the establishment of a feeling of joy or expectation that comes with the potential of something worthwhile happening. It also creates a feeling of impending adventure which is hard to resist especially in a situation where everyday life is quite monotonous and makes the environment more lively. The achievement of this goal by the song makes it possible to ensure that there is the establishment of a general sense of happiness that is normally not the case in other theme songs which start out as an extremely high pace.

It is essential to note that the Jack Sparrow entrance theme song is one that ensures the need to have something different from what individuals are used to. This is because it involves a situation where it seeks to play on the conflicting emotions that the listener has concerning the film, and goes beyond expectations because it ensures that these emotions are constantly contrasted. A consequence is that the song both conforms and subverts the norm of theme songs in such a way that ensures that there is the derivation of enjoyment and happiness from it. Furthermore, there is an attempt to ensure that there is the creation of an environment where the listener feels energized and this is to such an extent that it leads to the advancement of a sense of invulnerability that is normally not the case in most situations.

Therefore, this song can be considered a form of a buildup towards a great expectation on the part of the listener because it uplifts them from a neutral mood to one where there is a feeling of potentially good things happening. It also defeats any attempts to establish a genre because it is a song that makes use of a diversity of techniques and instruments within its form. Under such circumstances, the Jack Sparrow entrance theme song can be considered one that so affects the human emotion that it can become addictive.