I recently did a post about how the conservative movement needs to go through a reformation to become relevant again. Well the left has to do the same as well.

Contrary to what many may think, the Obama victory in the states does not signal a tectonic shift in North American politics -just yet.

In order for that to happen, Canada must also re-discover its progressive roots.

I've already shared my thoughts on wanna be PM, current Liberal interim leader Michael "The oil sands are just peachy" Ignatieff. His leadership ideals is hardly progressive. If anything, it seems that Iggy is just running to the centre, which -as far as I am concerned- is the political equivalent of quicksand.

What Canada needs is a TRUE progressive movement. And for my two cents, it is the Green Party that offers us the best chance for a real progressive revolution across North America.

There is a political reality that we all need to recognize: true change cannot happen unless both Canada and the US work together and work hard toward achieving it. We are tied politically, economically, socially, and culturally. If one partner in this dance decides to step on the other's feet, nothing is going to happen. That is why it is very important that Canada find it's progressive voice.

The Green Party, is actually a damn good party. Ideologically anyway. They have some very important policy points that need to be discussed on a national and continental basis. If you are one of those that think that the Green Party is only about environmental policy, you are mistaken. You can read more about their solid party platform here.

As you can see, hardly unreasonable goals, or even partisan ones for the most part.

So you are probably asking yourself, after listing all of this, why would I be insisting on a reformation of the left? Compared to what the right is doing, what is listed above seems inspired.

It is not the Green Party's platform that I have issue with. It is their desire to fight for it that is the problem.

For years, now, the Green Party has been wanting to get into government via a legal means by asking for proportional representation during our elections. The Green Party during the last election got over 10% of the vote, but did not get a single seat because of Canada's "first past the post" federal election practices.

But this is no way to get political clout, and no way to effect change.

Real change comes from hard work, tireless effort, and inspiring others.

Here are my thoughts on how the Green Party can be a contender and usher in the change we need to have a great 21st century.

Rebrand: The Green Party brand has become associated in the minds of millions -rightly or wrongly- as a one trick pony party. The party of tree huggers. The Green Party NEEDS to rebrand and show Canadians that their party platform is a complete one that addresses all aspects of our economic, political, legal, security, and diplomatic needs. Ditch the green and get something else.

Hustle: I live in Toronto. I can't go two blocks without being stopped by a panhandler, street vendor, leaflet hander-outer, or charity solicitor. But in all my time walking around Toronto, I have NEVER encountered a Green Party member trying to introduce people to the party. It's time to get off your butts and go out to the streets. Shake hands, hand out brochures, knock on doors, have conversations. Don't be lazy and wait for people to come to your cozy, heated, indoor meetings. Stand out in the Canadian freezing cold, and solicit for new members. The NDP did it, the Bloc did it, and you have to do it.

Drop the Hippies: The key element keeping the Green Party from effecting real change is the lack of credibility. They are seen by many as a party of tree huggers. They need to expand their membership and target professionals. Entrepreneurs, capitalists, Wall Street types. Lawyers, doctors, rich guys. They need to prove that they can attract people who have money, and are not afraid of Green policies effecting their wallets in a devastating way. The Green Party has enough environmentalists. Now it needs more business types to prove that their economic policies are also right. Bonus points for getting some army guys to show that their security ideas are valid too.

Get Guerrilla On Their Asses: The Green Party needs more press. If they think that the MSM is going to give it to them willingly they are sadly mistaken. They are going to have to fight for every single minute and word of coverage. They need to get the country talking about them. That means protests, sit ins, publicity stunts, rallies, blogging, and getting all up on the Web 2.0. Go out and get a great PR firm. Obama showed that "Yes We Can". The Greens need to show that to.

Pick a Fight: The 'revolution' isn't going to happen because we ask nicely. It will only happen if we show people that this is something worth fighting for. Everywhere our PM goes the Greens need to be there, peppering him with questions, showing the flaws of his logic, projecting the failures of his plans. The more doubt they shine on the current political zeitgeist the better. Press releases aren't enough. You have to confront the issues on the ground as they happen.

The Green Party may be Canada's last best hope for real change. The question is, how badly do they want it? Right now, as great as their ideas are, the Green Party comes off as lazy. A bunch of self righteous do gooders with great ideas, but who are too yuppie to get their hands dirty.

Politics isn't fair or clean. No one is going to give you a seat, and no voter is going to give you their vote. You have to fight and earn everything.

Are the Greens ready for a fight? We'll see.


MoonBat