Benns’ Belief: Political confessions

I grew up in a family that voted Conservative, if they voted at all, because that’s how my grandparents had voted. Most political scientists believe voting through familial patterns is the norm and how we politically wire ourselves, often for life.
I was eight when I watched the federal election of 1979, when Joe Clark beat Pierre Trudeau in what was certainly an upset. Brian Mulroney was prime minister when I was in high school and his prolific agenda was thrilling for a young man with political aspirations. Free Nelson Mandela! Clean up our environment! Free trade! (I’m still happy with the first two.)