I have something to confess. I honestly had a bit of grudging respect for the way that the Tories have been handling themselves in the
last few years. I had come to the conclusion that this Tory government is effective and
being guided by deep seated convictions and ideals, that they
are inspired by core values. Even the proroguing. The government's
actions were well within the governments rights and bounds. For me, a
clear understanding of parliamentary process implies a deep respect for
the way this country works and that respect might inspire a wish to do what's best for Canada.
But let me also be clear:
I do not agree with many Tory policies, nor am I willing to allow them
to change Canada so absolutely that we are all little hyper-capitalists
in flash
cars. However, I honestly thought that they believed in what they were
doing.
Then along came robocall.
Any
Canadian who believes in the great gift of democracy must have, as I
did, felt a bit sick at the news that somebody (I am not saying who)
went ahead and so blatantly tried to interfere with an election. All
of us should be wanting answers. If we let this slide, what could happen in the next election? Any kind of misinformation cannot be allowed.
But not the current
government. Yes, yes. I'm splitting hairs. Elections Canada is a
government agency and they are, in fact, investigating. But what is sad
here, is that Mr. Stephen Harper couldn't give a shit. I had this guy
totally misread. I honestly thought that he cared about this country
and, clearly, he only cares that his party comes out on top. Instead of being the one to wants to know what happened, he calls the robocall accusations a smear campaign.
Robocall is not about rhetoric or party politics. It's about democracy and making sure that everyone has free, unhindered, uncocerced access
to their right to vote.
Unless you're Stephen Harper.
When Mr. Harper has only referred to other political parties as the enemy that needs to be crushed.... never out of any respect or compromise for 'agreeing to disagree'... why would he change his attitude? Given all the power he has in our system as PM - he has only more of the drug - and he wants it all. He doesn't listen to the population as a whole - he never has... only to his CPC constituency...
ReplyDeleteNever has this happened in Canadian history has there been such a disconnect between PM and the whole of Canada (see Hebert column Toronto Star - http://www.thestar.com/news/canada/politics/article/1140090--hebert-tories-suffering-from-disconnect-with-voters-not-in-power-base).
The element of people wanting SH to have 'good intentions' for the country as a whole is based on past experience...because non-partisan- pragmatic PM's have always ruled for the country as a whole. People are not 'catching' up with the news of today.
This is what is radically different with SH - he really doesn't give a fecal matter what you think if you disagree with him. In fact... you become a target for his lackeys - to discredit you, to not deal with the facts presented... and other subversion of 'good faith' disagreement.
He doesn't and never has played fair.
This is why robocall is credible.
Its in their wheelhouse.
And unfortunately - this 2011 version - was the equivalent of the Spanish Civil War vis a vis the Axis powers pre-WW2 -- just a test -- for the future real war.
People -- are just not attuned to this erosion... because as hyper-capitalists in the Calgary Corridor - it doesn't hit their selfish pocket book. Haters will continue to hate... and spew venom - paid by the CPC and Fort PMO.
Where will Canada be....
It won't.
yours sincerely,
Steven Roberts
P.S.- Yes my real name - which never gets published by right whingers in editorial columns - you ever notice?
Thanks for this Steven. I am pretty sure I was giving Mr. Harper the benefit of the doubt. I am surely disappointed by his lack of interest in a basic threat to the democratic process in Canada. He's supposed to be in charge. Reminds me a lot of Ford here in Toronto.
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