A rule of thumb in politics is to never show weakness.
It’s why we so often see politicians defending indefensible policies simply because it was advanced by the higher-ups on their side.
Their told to toe the party line lest a fracture in party solidarity be seen and pounced on by opponents.
Many backbench MPs in the House of Commons can attest to this.
For many politicians who aren’t household names, they’re told that they have to go along in order to get along.
Even if a policy could hurt a politician with his local constituents, the “greater good” is too often seen as the party’s viability.
Far too many politicians have been skewered for the deadly political sin of “flip-flopping.”
A politician is accused of flip-flopping if they change their mind on something.
Sometimes, their reasons are transparently cynical.
For example, Donald Trump is on the record saying he is pro-choice. However, in the run up to his presidential bid, Trump changed his position. Many saw it as a blatant attempt to improve his chances with pro-life evangelical Christians.
But other times, politicians – and the public – change their mind based on facts and evidence.
The recent legalization of cannabis is a perfect example of this. Brian Mulroney – who once favoured treating cannabis like heroin – now sits on the board of a prominent U.S. cannabis company.
When politicians change their mind based on thoughtful argument and clear evidence, they should be applauded for it.
Which is why Pontiac Warden Jane Toller deserves kudos for her decision to find someone else to head up the Pontiac Pool committee.
She has been serving as the president of the board since June of 2017 – before she was elected Warden.
Toller recently came under fire for her involvement in the pool and whether the sitting Warden lobbying for a non-municipal project presents optics problems for the MRC.
THE EQUITY ran an editorial questioning the optics of the warden heading the MRC and a non-profit at the same time.
Despite the fact that this project is clearly personal to Toller – she said the project has a “special place in [her] heart” – she recently decided to find someone else to head up the committee.
Toller faced some tough but fair criticism, took it into consideration and changed her mind. That ought to be applauded.
Instead of adopting a “my way or the highway” attitude, Toller realized that the completion of the project was the most important thing.
Too often politicians are criticized for “flip-flopping.” But it would be more refreshing if they took legitimate criticisms to heart and thought twice about their position.
Instead of accusing the media of being biased or shifting the discussion, Toller took the criticism and changed her mind.
For that, she should be commended.
Let’s hope more of our politicians are as open minded.
Chris Lowrey
