Yens Pedersen Takes On John Conway's Historical Revisionism

John Conway's article, “It’s Just Too Late”, published in the Februarty 26th issue of Regina's Prairie Dog would be funny if it was't so completely out to lunch! Lamenting the fact that the CCF / NDP "died with the 1952 election" Conway bemoans the fact that Tommy Douglas, Woodrow Lloyd, Allan Blakeney, Row Romanow and Lorne Calvert basically did nothing to improve the collective social well being of Saskatchewan citizens.

New Democratic Party governments of Saskatchewan have faced immense odds since 1952, advancing both social and economic reforms and initiatives. While Conway whines his way through his exceedingly long and wordy article, he finally bemoans the fact that Pat Atkinson is not seeking the leadership. (Unfortunately, because the 'Prairie Dog' is not online, I can't provide a link to Conway's article).

From the current ranks of the candidates for leadership, Yens Pedersen has a blog entry on his site that takes John Conway's nonsensical arguments to task.

In his response, Pedersen writes, "So the real question is not whether the NDP can be ‘prettified’ (Conway’s word) – the real question is whether the people who want social and economic justice will actually get off their moral high ground and dirty their hands in the political process. I concede it is easier to throw up your hands in despair and walk away. It is much harder to work with people, to find common ground and to reach compromises. That requires being reasonable. Conway might call that being moderate, but I take it as a compliment.

The NDP is the only party in Saskatchewan at this time with the desire and ability to accomplish the goals I have identified. So this spring, rather than just complaining from the sidelines I’ll be more than voting – I’m in the race. And my heart and hope are in it."

Words of advice that John Conway should heed! Rather than sniping from the sidelines, wallowing in his imagined pre-1952 'good old days' .. maybe he should get off his couch ... and actually DO something for the people of Saskatchewan!