When one voice rules the nation
Just because he's top of the pile
It doesn't mean his vision is the clearest
The voices of the people are falling on deaf ears
Our politicians all become careerists.
They must declare their interests, but not their company cars
Is there more to a seat in Parliament
Than sitting on your arse?
--Ideology, (c)Billy Bragg

The above is an apt discernment of my views on politics. Politicians, especially in Hamilton, seem to have forgotten who put them there. That would be, the average person.

Hamilton is full of blue collar workers. We're a steel town, a working-class town, a union town. And now we're a "megacity", taking in all the towns on the outskirts.

I fear that the "average joe" is being forgotten about. Look at the water pipes bursting, the streets falling apart, the tax dollars being misspent by our politicians. It's sad, really, that these people are the leaders of our city.

So, I'm running for council. I know, I'm only 23, I'm a girl, I'm a college drop out. I have no political experience, minus my journalism stint, and I work in a warehouse. What could I know about politics?

I know enough to want to change them.

On this page you'll find quotes, stories, essays, poems, etc. about my views and views I find fascinating concerning politics from Hamilton to the world.

~Shauna McShane, 2003

"Those People"
A poem inspired by the demonstration at City Hall, in Council Chambers. Mayor Larry DiIanni likes to call demonstrators, protestors, and anyone who cares about the city or voices an opinion against his ideas "Those People". (This poem is also in the Poetry section, and to get back here, hit the back button on your browser).

Bob Wade--Good Mayor???
A short commentary I wrote as an entry for the Community Editorial Board at the Hamilton Spectator. (c) Shauna McShane, March 2003.

War With Iraq Vs War At Home
Another short commentary on the state of the war, and how it should make us look at problems closer to home. (c) Shauna McShane, March 2003.

I mentioned him in one of my rants, and The Ballad of Sam Lawrence is one of my favourite songs. So, who is he? Here are some links for you to check out:
The Siege of 1946
A good look at the strike in 1946, from McMaster University.
The Cradle of Collective Bargaining
The home of the first link. Lots of information on Unions and Labour in Hamilton.
Mayor '46
Hamilton Public Library's brief biography of Sam Lawrence.
Sam Lawrence
A picture of the former Mayor picketing in support of restaurant workers.

I had had a link that was a full biography of Sam Lawrence, but I can't find it now. When I do, I'll put it up here.

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