Identity Politics

Where was the Toronto Star three months ago, when I needed them to back me up? Now, after facing a small amount of backlash for my repeated arguments that the Conservative Party of Canada was able to win in my riding of Thornhill by attracting the votes of Jews who would vote for whichever party looked like they supported Israel more, Thomas Walkom – National Affairs Collumnist – has penned an article on ethnic voting and identity politics that backs up the very arguments I postited. Here’s an excerpt:

…In a world where no single party can command a majority of MPs, individual ridings become even more significant. And among some voters in some ridings, support for Israel is a make-or-break issue… Identity politics predates Confederation… In ridings where there is a significant Jewish population, this matters. Kent, for instance, may back Israel as a matter of deeply held principle. But if he did not, this might well hurt him in Thornhill, a riding that he narrowly won last year…

While this is pretty much a closed issue that I hadn’t intended on revisiting, the situation in the Israel and Gaza has brought it to light again. So thanks, Thomas. I couldn’t agree with you more!

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About Jesse

Sharing powerful knowledge and connecting people to each other through meaningful immersive experiences drives everything that I do. I'm a student of Education, Judaism, Design, Theatre, Philosophy, History, Music, and Politics. I try to fuse these disciplines together in much of my work. I run youth travel programs around the world. My work involves creative design, social media & communications, on-the ground leadership, logistical planning, staff training, and curricular design. Other things to know: Blogger. Pluralist. Hater of mediocrity. Lover of culture shock. News junkie. Vigorous yet respectful political debater. Lighting designer. Music listener. Band follower. Photo grapher. Aspiring environmentalist. NYC lover.

3 thoughts on “Identity Politics

  1. Pingback: At the Close of Chanukah, Canada’s Jewish Question Remains Key «

  2. Pingback: Guest Post by Jesse Paikin « Shaun Talks Politics

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