Michael Ignatieff is one of the most discussed figures in Canadian politics. Ignatieff's supporters "praise him as a creative thinker who has the big ideas necessary to revitalize federal politics and the country's international standing." (pg. 971) He is currently the leader of the Official Opposition in Canada and leader of the Liberal Party of Canada and is running for the Federal Elections which will be happening on May 2, 2011.
Ignatieff is a liberal interventionist, which is "a member of that small group of thinkers who support military action on the basis of left-leaning ideas, particularly the global defence of democracy and human rights." (pg. 971) However, in Canadian politics, the liberal interventionists are a minority.
Firstly it is important to know Ignatieff's "sometimes-unspoken" assumptions before understanding his world view. They are best summarized as "cosmopolitanism, the universality of democracy and human rights, pragmatism, and a willingness to use force in defence of these ideals." (pg. 972) Ignatieff's basis on his thoughts and beliefs are based on cosmopolitanism - "a way of thinking about ethics and responsibility." (pg. 972) People who follow cosmopolitanism "refuse to distinguish between fellow citizens and total strangers." (pg. 972) Ignatieff strongly believes that it is important to help others in need, whether the help is big or small, it does not matter as long as the person in need of help was helped by someone. Ignatieff states "it is not necessary to provide every person with every possible advantage or material good, but we must be willing to step in when fundamental rights are violated, whether by a government or some other group." (pg. 972)
I agree with Ignatieff's beliefs, especially regarding his belief on helping our fellow citizens when one is in need of help. As we humans are all born as social beings, it is impossible to live on our own with no support. Sociologically, when a child is born, they are taken care of by their parents or guardians. Throughout the child's teen years and adult life they are supported at every step by their parents, guardians, friends, teachers, family, acquaintances and many more people. This shows that in every stage of a human's life, we gain support from others in order to live well. This is why I agree with Ignatieff's belief on human rights and democracy at a high level to run a country, because all humans are born with basic rights such as the right to live in security; which is also stated in Section 7 in the Canadian Charter of Rights and Freedoms.
"Promoting the twin ideals of democracy and human rights is the best way to give meaning to our inherent sense of dignity." (pg. 974-975)
These two ideals are at the heart of Ignatieff's conception of international ethics, and to spread these two important ideals are his ultimate goal. He is "unabashed" in his defence for these two ideals mainly due to the practical benefits that they offer in promoting peace and allowing all individuals to flourish. He believes that a person's support for democracy and human rights is the "first" and "easiest" step; the real test for western governments comes in trying to reconcile their principles with the usual harsh realities of international politics.
I agree with Ignatieff's beliefs on this such as the example of the troubles the American government had made in Iraq which however did not ruin the value of democracy and human rights; but simply gave democracy for the people. Another example of how human rights and democracy are so important for our society was in the current situation which happened in Egypt. The people of Egypt, Tunisia and several other Arab/African nations had protested and fought for their basic fundamental rights by creating violence throughout the country; but in end result the people had won by removing their corrupt President Hosni Mubarak out of role which created peace and democracy for the people of the nation. Many people found it wrong regarding the Iraq War and the US taking control of the country, although Ignatieff agreed with it and did not mind for this to happen as it was regarding human rights issues and democracy. I also somewhat agree with this as well, in the sense that Iraq was and still is an unstable country, and it needed some control for the people to live in the country with minimum basic needs such as food and security.
"We want post-secondary education and training to be universal value, the way health care is a universal value."
As Micheal Ignatieff is currently running for the Federal Elections, today he had mentioned he will spend one billion dollars towards education. Regarding to the quote above, he mentioned on March 29, 2011 (on his third day of his campaign) that he will provide $4000 to $6000 in bursaries to high school students for their post-secondary education as he believes that education is every individuals right, but is expensive for many people.
"Canadian families want to invest in learning, but the cost of college and university is slipping out of reach for too many middle-class families."
I agree with Ignatieff, as many young people are starting to work and make money to live, but do not have enough money to pay for their tuitions. It is important for everyone to have an education because it is a fundamental right, and people should be able to receive a well education; with the help of some financial assistance.
"Canada has to say very, very clearly that there needs to be a peaceful transition to free and fair elctions."
In the quote above, Ignatieff states once again that democracy is important and is needed for people to live in a free and democratic country. To live in a safe and secure environment, it is necessary for peace to be present. As all said above, I agree with Ignatieff's beliefs on democracy and human rights as a type of government because individuals should all have their basic rights and be free in a democratic society. Ignatieff's beliefs also are similar to the Canadian Charter of Rights and Freedoms as well, such as several sections in the Charter which mention democratic rights and basic individual rights, which all support Ignatieff's beliefs. These rights provide a better life for people socially, economically, democratically and financially.
Michael Cotey Morgan, "Micheal Ignatieff: Idealism and the Challenge of the 'Lesser Evil'," International Journal, (Autumn, 2006), pp. 971-985.
Firstly it is important to know Ignatieff's "sometimes-unspoken" assumptions before understanding his world view. They are best summarized as "cosmopolitanism, the universality of democracy and human rights, pragmatism, and a willingness to use force in defence of these ideals." (pg. 972) Ignatieff's basis on his thoughts and beliefs are based on cosmopolitanism - "a way of thinking about ethics and responsibility." (pg. 972) People who follow cosmopolitanism "refuse to distinguish between fellow citizens and total strangers." (pg. 972) Ignatieff strongly believes that it is important to help others in need, whether the help is big or small, it does not matter as long as the person in need of help was helped by someone. Ignatieff states "it is not necessary to provide every person with every possible advantage or material good, but we must be willing to step in when fundamental rights are violated, whether by a government or some other group." (pg. 972)
I agree with Ignatieff's beliefs, especially regarding his belief on helping our fellow citizens when one is in need of help. As we humans are all born as social beings, it is impossible to live on our own with no support. Sociologically, when a child is born, they are taken care of by their parents or guardians. Throughout the child's teen years and adult life they are supported at every step by their parents, guardians, friends, teachers, family, acquaintances and many more people. This shows that in every stage of a human's life, we gain support from others in order to live well. This is why I agree with Ignatieff's belief on human rights and democracy at a high level to run a country, because all humans are born with basic rights such as the right to live in security; which is also stated in Section 7 in the Canadian Charter of Rights and Freedoms.
"Promoting the twin ideals of democracy and human rights is the best way to give meaning to our inherent sense of dignity." (pg. 974-975)
These two ideals are at the heart of Ignatieff's conception of international ethics, and to spread these two important ideals are his ultimate goal. He is "unabashed" in his defence for these two ideals mainly due to the practical benefits that they offer in promoting peace and allowing all individuals to flourish. He believes that a person's support for democracy and human rights is the "first" and "easiest" step; the real test for western governments comes in trying to reconcile their principles with the usual harsh realities of international politics.
"We want post-secondary education and training to be universal value, the way health care is a universal value."
As Micheal Ignatieff is currently running for the Federal Elections, today he had mentioned he will spend one billion dollars towards education. Regarding to the quote above, he mentioned on March 29, 2011 (on his third day of his campaign) that he will provide $4000 to $6000 in bursaries to high school students for their post-secondary education as he believes that education is every individuals right, but is expensive for many people.
"Canadian families want to invest in learning, but the cost of college and university is slipping out of reach for too many middle-class families."
I agree with Ignatieff, as many young people are starting to work and make money to live, but do not have enough money to pay for their tuitions. It is important for everyone to have an education because it is a fundamental right, and people should be able to receive a well education; with the help of some financial assistance.
"Canada has to say very, very clearly that there needs to be a peaceful transition to free and fair elctions."
Michael Cotey Morgan, "Micheal Ignatieff: Idealism and the Challenge of the 'Lesser Evil'," International Journal, (Autumn, 2006), pp. 971-985.
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