My Thoughts on Brian Mulroney
A wise man once said that virtually every problem begins with a lie.
It is becoming increasingly clear that Brian Mulroney is not just a liar, but a compulsive liar and casuist. It is difficult for an individual in his situation to divine what is right when they cannot discern what is objectively true.
As a result, I don't know which he deserves more: our contempt or our compassion. I guess it depends on the day, and to what extent he is sincerely expressing contrition.
It is sad, as he was not without his major triumphs as Prime Minister: the fight against apartheid in South Africa, a genuine interest in a greener country, the GST (in place of a hidden tax), and the North American Free Trade Agreement (not a perfect agreement, but directionally correct).
On the other hand, he did not hesitate to distort the history of constitutional negotiations to further his political ambitions in Quebec. In so doing, he demonized PET and his constitutional legacy, and undermined the federalist cause in general for a decade to come.
Intellectual dishonesty, and doing ill so that good might come, is never justified. Moreover, it often comes back to curse whomever it corrupts.
As the old saying goes, if you sleep with the Devil you will wake up in Hell (and the Devil will expect you back the next night).
Karmic justice has prevailed. However, I don't think any of us feel any satisfaction, just world-weary relief with a tinge of sadness.
Let's hope that our next Prime Minister lives (and governs) by The Golden Rule.
Tuesday, May 19, 2009
Wednesday, December 17, 2008
Desiderantes meliorem patriam
Desiderantes meliorem patriam.
They desire a better country.
This is true of civil society, and it must be true of any political party that seeks to earn the trust of civil society.
The collective needs of Canada at large, and the unique needs of communities and individual Canadians are paramount, and in this time of crisis, these needs could not be any more urgent.
Canadians demand and deserve principle-based public policy, not partisanship. The political party that most convincingly delivers on this will be the one to prevail.
Very often in political life (as well as in personal and professional life) the shortest path around a particular obstacle is through it.
The self-serving but ultimately self-destructive partisanship of Stephen Harper and the worst of his ministers and parliamentary secretaries must be put to an end.
The best way for the Liberal Party to achieve this is to compare and contrast the benefits of consultation, collaboration and compromise against the base and brutish alternative of deviousness, intellectual dishonesty and divisiveness.
The Liberal Party of Canada demonstrated over the last two weeks that they understand and accept this fundamental truth. They have begun to redefine themselves in the image of Canadians, rather than the converse. They should keep the faith, as good works are their own reward.
They desire a better country.
This is true of civil society, and it must be true of any political party that seeks to earn the trust of civil society.
The collective needs of Canada at large, and the unique needs of communities and individual Canadians are paramount, and in this time of crisis, these needs could not be any more urgent.
Canadians demand and deserve principle-based public policy, not partisanship. The political party that most convincingly delivers on this will be the one to prevail.
Very often in political life (as well as in personal and professional life) the shortest path around a particular obstacle is through it.
The self-serving but ultimately self-destructive partisanship of Stephen Harper and the worst of his ministers and parliamentary secretaries must be put to an end.
The best way for the Liberal Party to achieve this is to compare and contrast the benefits of consultation, collaboration and compromise against the base and brutish alternative of deviousness, intellectual dishonesty and divisiveness.
The Liberal Party of Canada demonstrated over the last two weeks that they understand and accept this fundamental truth. They have begun to redefine themselves in the image of Canadians, rather than the converse. They should keep the faith, as good works are their own reward.
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