[fvc-wat-disc] Tyranny of the false majority

[Kevin Smith]

Hi Sharon:

Ok here it is:

In your Sep. 11 editorial, “Ford's dictatorial leadership suffers a
judicial setback”, you rightly point out the brazenness of changing the
rules in the middle of an election, and when a judge objects, invoking the
notwithstanding clause to override Charter rights.

Ford can dismiss the justice system all he wants, However, they protect our
charter rights from “the tyranny of the false majority”.

Do you see what I did there? Most so-called “majority” governments in
Canada were not supported by a majority of those that voted. Our
first-past-the-post system is better at picking “winners” and “losers” than
creating a legislature that represents our votes, and allows a real
majority to have a voice.

Do we need more checks on the power of authoritarians? Absolutely. One
important way to achieve that is with proportional representation, which
gives parties the same percentage of seats as the percentage of votes. Then
a majority in the legislature will be closer to a true majority, and will
put the brakes on ruling by ideology or capricious whim.

Countries who have proportional representation also cooperate more to get
things done, and spend less time undoing the work of the previous
government. Wouldn't that be a refreshing change?

Kevin.

On Tue, Sep 11, 2018 at 11:25 PM Sharon Sommerville <
sharonsommerville at gmail.com> wrote:

> Hi Kevin,
>
> Great suggestion, thank you!
>
> This editorial appeared in today's Record:
>
>
> https://www.therecord.com/opinion-story/8892799-the-record-s-view-ford-s-dictatorial-leadership-suffers-a-judicial-setback/
>
> Would you consider taking you idea and writing a letter to the editor in
> response to the Record's editorial.  It is a good fit and a very important
> and timely opportunity.
>
> Kind regards,
> Sharon
>
>
>
> On Tue, Sep 11, 2018 at 11:12 PM, Kevin Smith <kevedsmith at gmail.com>
> wrote:
>
>> Hi folks:
>>
>> Just a thought on talking about Doug Ford and the notwithstanding clause.
>>
>> The Charter of Rights and the role of the courts in enforcing such is
>> often framed as protection from "the tyranny of the majority"  but it is
>> really "the tyranny of the false majority".
>>
>> I'm sure we could make some hay discussing pro rep as an important check
>> and balance on power.
>>
>> Kevin.
>>
>>
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