[pp.int.general] PP populist?

[Bert Van de Poel]

The term populist comes from the "populares", a political during the 
republic of the Roman Empire (I guess you remember history class :P).
They claimed to be the party of the people, although it turned out it 
was more like a "I don't like the other parties members so I join this 
one"-party.
I guess they mean that we are a party for the more simple people, and 
not for the "upper class" (intelectuals, businessmen, etc.). I think 
that is incorrect and that we work for the common good, our statements 
apply to all classes (except the copyright-lovers class).

A letter would be a good idea, that writer clearly doesn't know us (yet).

Bert.

Reinier Bakels schreef:
> My (Dutch) newspaper tonight gives an overview of the results of the 
> European elections in all the member states. The Swedish PP is geven 
> the label "populist". Is that correct? If not, PP NL may write a 
> letter to the newspaper (which is another opportunity to advertise 
> ourselves!)
>  
> The Wikipedia entry http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Populism tells me 
> that populism (usually) is a pejorative term which is not appreciated 
> by the politicians who are designated as "populist". And it explains 
> that there are many definitions of populism. If the definition is: 
> reponding to a specific desire of people (instead of following an 
> abstract philosophy like "socialism" or "liberalism"), I don't think 
> one can blame populists. But in my perception, a true populist 
> manipulates voters by dishonest, demagogic propaganda, creating an 
> artificial ennemy for its own benefit. That definition does not apply 
> to PP, I guess?????????
>  
> Does anyone have a better reason to argue that PP is *not* a populist 
> party? (assuming that it is an undesirable negative designation)
>  
> reinier 
>  
>  
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-- 
Bert Van de Poel
webdeveloper and administrator
bhack.net and rpgfamilie.net