Changes .. Political

My early memories of politics involve conservative ( small c) men. In Canada Pearson was the first Prime Minister I relate to. He was Liberal but conservative in his approach. I saw him as a gatekeeper though in his earlier role at the IN he appeared more of a leader. He was followed by John Diefenbaker a Conservative who appeared more of a take charge PM. Then Trudeau, Turner, Mulroney, Campbell followed. The difference between the PMs of the 50s and 90s was one of taking greater charge in a fast changing world. I sense that dirty games were played to gain and keep ones party in power. If this occurred in the earlier years it was less noticeable. Campaign spending became greater and a determinant of success in gaining power. I became more aware of the power of the bag man and the back room boys in the latter years. No doubt they were always there. some even became senators. Parliaments daily activities became visible with the advent of the parliamentary channel. Viewing such did not become a national sport. Public response to parliamentary activity was heightened by greater press coverage not just by the press but by the television networks. Whatever happened in the House on a given day was reflected in the news at 6. Public protest, partly fueled by the media but more driven by self interest groups has become the norm.