The Crux of the Matter

The Crux of the Matter

Harper wants us to believe in his newly minted fatherly image. What does a conservative father believe?

According to George Lakoff’s book, “Moral Politics – How Conservatives and Liberals Think”, conservative fathers are strict, authoritarian figures where the father can protect the family in a dangerous world, support the family in a difficult world and teach his children right from wrong.

Obedience is implicit. That is, obedience of the electorate, obedience of the parliament. Once Harper gets a majority, he’ll do all the thinking, thank you very much. The rest of us can go back to work and shopping while he dismantles our federation handing over the juicy bits to American multi-national corporations, as he’s done so handily with the income trust matter. Don’t worry your pretty little heads about these tough economic issues.

What is our federation’s role? It alone stands in the way of the complete corporatization of our society, in my opinion. Without a federal state, our universal health care (among other important institutions) is at risk of being privatized completely. This is what this election is about.

When will we get to the crux of the matter in this election?

Harper has gleefully explained exactly what this country would look like when he's done with it, especially during his National Citizens Coalition days. We will have war, increased military spending, increased prison populations, no arts and no health care. That's his vision.

My vision of Canada is much different. We need to pull together as a nation to weather the coming economic storm from the south and to carve out a positive role for Canada and Canadians in the global effort to solve the greenhouse gas emissions problems. Without a federation, we'll be 10 provinces and territories fighting over scraps whilst the world crumbles around us without our leadership.

As has been succintly said, "The world needs more Canadas." But not the sort that Harper envisions!