Ford knows his audience

You may have scoffed at Doug Ford’s statement that he would “cut the CBC.” Doesn’t he know it is federally funded?

Well, it doesn’t matter what he does or doesn’t know: he’s not talking to you! He’s talking to those who see the CBC as leftist and elitist, who agree with him that governments shouldn’t control anything, and who would vote against their own interests if they thought his policies would hurt even worse the people they despise and fear.

How can one show “Ford Nation” that Doug’s slashand-burn policies would be a disaster, when they are resistant to facts and logic and feel empowered against the perceived “elites” by the Conservatives’ cynical exploitation of their resentment?

Right-wingers can be convinced of the reality of climate change once they know the U.S. army and insurance companies take it very seriously.

Pointing out to people opposed to pharmacare that it will not squander our money, but in fact cost less than what citizens are paying now, doesn’t work nearly as well as showing them that it takes power and profit away from insurance companies.

Ask Fordists how they would deal with the disappearance of government services they find important. Show them public initiatives can control the greed of the big companies.

Of course, such respectful conversations are difficult when each side only connects with like-minded people ... M.M. Bédard, Hamilton