Friday, May 01, 2009

Adult Conversation

Most Canadians don't follow politics day to day. Those who are interested, generally are restricted to seeing MPs in House during Question Period, or on television panels.

In both cases, you really don't have a opportunity to hear about issues in any meaningful way. Panel discussions such as today's Canada in the World, was a good example of talking about serious issues in a way that is all too rare in this country.

Bob Rae spoke about Canada's place in the world and how he has seen that diminished under the Conservatives. He and others spoke of major conflicts, nuclear disarmament and our traditional role of diplomacy.

Of course the discussion was well received and there was tremendous support for what was put forward, but that's not what struck me the most.

What really struck me is how the Conservative government never really seems to be able to discuss these matters without some partisan take or political gamesmanship. It's all so childish while being detrimental in some cases to the country.

What I heard today made me realise that the adults were speaking again and boy have I missed that.

6 comments:

gingercat said...

Both your and Impolitical's post on this made for great reading today. I really loved your last paragraph. So true.

Anonymous said...

Bob Rae spoke about Canada's place in the world and how he has seen that diminished under the Conservatives.And I would say that the Liberals following, almost tripping over themselves to embrace Israel right or wrong does not help either.
I don't recall seeing so many pro-Israel news releases from the Liberals.

So, I don't see our place in the world augmenting any time soon with the present Liberal leadership.
What I see, is that the top down vapidity on world matters slowly filter it's way into the general Canadian meme...


In other words, while I agree that it has been sorely diminished with the Connies, present Liberal policies and direction will never restore that.

penlan said...

"What really struck me is how the Conservative government never really seems to be able to discuss these matters without some partisan take or political gamesmanship."

And they not only do this at home but also on the world stage, while in other countries. And look where we stand now in the eyes of the world. We are plummeting into the depths rapidly - in 3 short years.

C_WTF,

I disagree with you.

"...while I agree that it has been sorely diminished with the Connies, present Liberal policies and direction will never restore that."

There is a maturity, experience, & knowledge with the Libs that the Cons do not have. Harper is choosing not to want to be on the world stage unless it's fighting in a war somewhere. Little boys playing war games.

As knb said, it's good to hear from adults instead of toddlers.

Anonymous said...

It's easy to say Liberals are more mature but actions will speak louder.

If you objectively examine the policies they differ only slightly in nuance with Conservatives.

Israel is the main example.

Iggy voted for extending the farce in Afghanistan.
Heck, even the Liberal statements on Galloway were some of the most convoluted pronounced.

Aren't the Liberals going to approve the Free Trade Agreement between Canada and Colombia? Business before ethics and human rights it would seem... So much for credibility...


Sometimes the naivety of children is preferable to the inane blather of the adults. At least, with the children, we know they where they stand.

RuralSandi said...

Well, the haters are going around the Liberal blogosphere with childish, negative comments - yawn.

Canadian Idol - Canada's got talent and lots of it. They are temporarily sitting in opposition.

The knowledge and understanding of the world (foreign affairs) the Liberals have and the lack thereof the Cons have is absolutely obvious.

I sure as hell would feel better, considering the world today, having that kind of intelligence and maturity handling things these days.

gingercat - if that's a photo of your own cat - beautiful.

Anonymous said...

I sure as hell would feel better, considering the world today, having that kind of intelligence and maturity handling things these days.A start would have the Liberal party be neutral in certain conflicts instead of acting like the propaganda arm of the IDF....

BTW, I wonder when anyone will be discussing this poll:
http://www.thestar.com/News/Canada/article/627872