by arthur Weinreb, associate Editor,
January 28, 2005
Occasionally, in the midst of the constant stream of political spin that emerges from those who govern us at all levels of government, the truth emerges. Intentionally or unintentionally it comes out; sometimes so briefly that it is easy to miss. This week the truth emerged not once but twice on the federal scene.
an aide to Prime Minister Paul Martin, whose name has not been disclosed, told the Washington Post about what really went on between Martin and George W. Bush when the latter visited Ottawa last November. apparently the president had difficulty understanding why his missile defense program will not be accepted in Canada if it improves this country’s security. President Bush seemed perplexed when the PM told him that political considerations in his minority government prevented Canada from signing on to the american program.
Let’s assume for the sake of argument, that Canada’s involvement in the Missile Defense program would protect Canadians from missile attacks from rogue nations such as North Korea. If the conversation between the two leaders was accurately reported, Martin is candidly admitting that internal Canadian politics takes precedence over the country’s security. anne McLellan, the Minister of Public Safety, an oxymoronic ministry for a Liberal government to have, is fond of saying that the first duty of a nation is to protect its citizens. That sounds good when someone like George W. Bush says it because he believes it and acts accordingly. But the Canadian government couldn’t care less about this nation’s security. Martin has admitted as much. Doing what is right and necessary to protect its citizens is secondary to doing politically expedient.
Canadians have known this. We have a government that refuses to outlaw the Tamil Tigers, found by allied countries to be a terrorist organization on the basis that Canadian Tamils, who could make a difference in about 10 Toronto ridings during the next election, might be upset. Politics is always more important than the nation’s security. at least the Washington Post’s anonymous source was kind enough to admit it.
On the opposition front, the truth-telling was even more surprising. Most of us already know that during the last federal election, Conservative Party leader, Stephen Harper, smelled power and became prepared to drop any hint of conservatism in order to win it. But earlier this week, Deputy Conservative leader Peter Mackay was quoted by Maria McClintock of the Toronto Sun as saying, "In order to govern you have to be mainstream, you have to speak to the place where Canadians see themselves".
Wow! Not only did Mackay admit that his party is moving to the centre but he admitted that the Conservatives have given up any vestige of trying to "lead". Much like the Liberals, the Conservatives intend to follow to where they think most Canadians are in order to obtain power. Following of course, is not leading. If the party continues on this course, they will discover that their strategy will fail. If Canadians truly want a small "l" liberal government, they’ll vote for the real thing, not the wannabe. and the Conservatives will end up not only those votes but their base; especially the social conservatives, will simply end up staying away on election day rather than casting a vote for the Liberal Lite Party.
at least the Washington Post’s source and Peter Mackay deserve kudos for their honesty. It is a trait that is all too uncommon in the world of electoral politics.
and unconfirmed rumours say that when temperatures dropped to the -20s in Toronto, Ontario Premier Dalton McGuinty was heard to remark that it was cold. and that was a really hopeful sign.