About that Liberal Arrogance...
I remember a time, 5 or 6 years ago, when a young Stephen Harper was aghast that Paul Martin would have the nerve to suggest Liberal values were more Canadian than Conservative values. Young Harper railed against "Liberal arrogance" every chance he got.
Now?
Harper spends his time predicting his opponents' demise, and telling Canadians "the Conservative Party is Canada's Party" - he actually called them the "natural governing party" in one interview, though even Harper later recognized that may have a poor choice of words. He is, however, confident that "Conservative values are Canadian values and Canadian values are conservative values”.
It's all very good for Harper to enjoy his win. And I get that he's trying to undue years of the Liberal Party stiching its logo to the flag at every opportunity.
But he'll be coming up on a decade in power by the next election. That's usually when Canadians hand governments their walking papers if they start looking even the least bit arrogant. When you become a party of power rather than a party of purpose, you quickly stop becoming a party of power.
Now?
Harper spends his time predicting his opponents' demise, and telling Canadians "the Conservative Party is Canada's Party" - he actually called them the "natural governing party" in one interview, though even Harper later recognized that may have a poor choice of words. He is, however, confident that "Conservative values are Canadian values and Canadian values are conservative values”.
It's all very good for Harper to enjoy his win. And I get that he's trying to undue years of the Liberal Party stiching its logo to the flag at every opportunity.
But he'll be coming up on a decade in power by the next election. That's usually when Canadians hand governments their walking papers if they start looking even the least bit arrogant. When you become a party of power rather than a party of purpose, you quickly stop becoming a party of power.
posted by calgarygrit at
6:00 p.m.
12 Comments:
But who is going to replace them? Do you actually think that the Liberals will have their house in order by that time? LOL hardly.
By
Anonymous, at 7:32 p.m.
Letter published in the National Post, January 26, 2006:
Re: The Corruption of Paul Martin, Father Raymond de Souza, Jan. 24.
Father de Souza provides a remarkably accurate portrayal of Paul Martin. While his column was focused on Mr. Martin, I can't help but think that it was more than just a "lust for power" that led to his ends-justifying-the-means behaviour and that the Liberal party as a whole shares much of the problem. While individuals in that party can be of the highest personal integrity, that does not preclude them from a subtle and pernicious form of groupthink that can also lead to corrupt behaviour.
Every Liberal seems able to make the claim, without apparent embarrassment, that Liberal values are Canadian values, Canadian values are Liberal values and if you are "progressive" you must be a Liberal supporter. While you might put these incredibly arrogant and insulting claims down to mere campaign posturing, I think there are a great many "true believers" in this self-deception. From true believer to the ends-justifying-the-means dive to the bottom that Fr. de Souza talked about, there is just a short step. In this election I believe many Canadians observed that the Liberals did not walk-the-talk. They claimed the value high ground while exhibiting something else altogether. It is curious how the big city sophisticates did not see this.
Mr. Martin's departure from the helm of the party does not solve its problems. The party still has some core value and behaviour principles to work out.
Phil Wilcox, Ottawa
By
Anonymous, at 8:14 p.m.
Who the hell is Phil Wilcox?
By
Gene Rayburn, at 12:33 a.m.
Any Conservative will be quick to point out that there are no "gimmes" in politics - that the Party must work hard every day without fail to share their values with Canadians, and to have Canadians share their values with Conservatives before any of them will cast their ballot for the Party in any future election. And that when they talk to new Canadians, they find a shared set of values and will encourage those new Canadians to explore what Canada has to offer, and to vote according to their own values.
Many Liberals will tell you that those same voters ought to vote Liberal because, dammit, Liberals stand for something or other that they can't quite define but you're for damn sure not Canadian if you support Conservatives. 'Cuz only Liberal values are Canadian values. Blast anyone else to h-e-double hockey sticks.
Are there any Liberals willing to say what they stand for? That is, without waiting for the Central Politburo to tell them?
By
Anonymous, at 3:58 a.m.
Wow what a set of unsubstantiated talking points? Citations please? Not letters to the editor of the National Post either
By
Gene Rayburn, at 12:03 p.m.
Anon 3:58am - There is nothing in your opening paragraph that indicates what Conservatives stand for, other than to share their also undefined moving target values.
By
Anonymous, at 12:39 p.m.
I agree with Stephen Harper 5 or 6 years ago and still do. I can't agree with any of the contemporary quotes posted.
No party has any claim to special values.
(I won't be surprised if he takes another majority in 4; who knows. Could quit, could lose. Just saying)
By
Jacques Beau Verte, at 1:09 p.m.
Any Conservative will be quick to point out that there are no "gimmes" in politics
Lies.
Liberals will tell you that those same voters ....
More Lies.
Lazy non-critical thinking. Try a book sometime, reading does wonders.
By
Jacques Beau Verte, at 1:11 p.m.
Any Conservative will be quick to point out that there are no "gimmes" in politics - that the Party must work hard every day without fail to share their values with Canadians, and to have Canadians share their values with Conservatives before any of them will cast their ballot for the Party in any future election.
* Principle does not apply in any Conservative-held riding in Calgary, suburban Edmonton, rural Alberta, Saskatchewan, and Manitoba, or the BC interior. Colour may vary from image on packaging. Use in a well-ventilated area. Keep away from small children and pets.
By
Anonymous, at 4:19 p.m.
I think the conservatives will be in power long after their first ten year reign. As long as Canada triumphs during this economic recession compared to other nations people will keep voting conservative. I for one am glad that the conservatives didn’t raise taxes whereas the Liberals and NDP would have.
By
Tutors in Calgary, at 7:30 p.m.
Good ole BORROW-and-spend "Conservatives".
By
Anonymous, at 9:02 p.m.
Adopt most recent internet marketing trends. Buy YouTube likes and Contend your challengers. buy yt subs
By
Unknown, at 2:50 a.m.
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