In my generation, socialism means a different thing...

“In my generation, socialism means a different thing,” said the 39-year-old Cullen. To him, he said, it means communism, and he is no communist. That was Nathan Cullen's message in an piece from today's Toronto Star.

And it is for that reason that I - for what ever it may be worth - am officially endorsing Nathan Cullen for leader of the NDP. I'll admit that I do not have any kind of history in the NDP. I left the party in 2003 when Jack Layton became leader. I do not share the affection for him that many Canadians, as it turns out, share. But I do believe Nathan Cullen is a breath of fresh air in the NDP leadership race. More than any other candidate he is looking to the future of; not just his party, but Canada. I have come out in support of his plan for cooperation and I believe he has emerged as the only candidate among the seven that can lead the NDP as a truly progressive party. He understands that in many regards the NDP is the most 'conservative' of the parties. And his mission for reform could have an impact on Canada's entire body politic - whatever your position on the political spectrum may be.