Friday, March 30, 2007

At long last, have you left no sense of decency?

I'm floored to read this story. Flabbergasted. I mean, on what possible grounds could Stephen Harper possibly even begin to justify politicizing this event, which is meant to honour the sacrifice of thousands of Canadians, and one of the pivotal moments in the creation of the strong, vibrant, independent Canada of today?

The battle of Vimy Ridge in World War I is considered by historians as the moment Canada earned its right to call itself a nation through its valour and sacrifice. In just over a week, the Prime Minister will help unveil a new memorial at a 90th remembrance ceremony on Vimy Ridge, but as Hannah Boudreau reveals exclusively tonight, politics appears to be at play in deciding who will attend…

…None of the opposition leaders were invited, either. And it's by no means a small delegation. The list of people who did make the cut are former Governor General Adrienne Clarkson, her husband, John Ralston Saul, and Public Works minister, Michael Fortier. It's not like the Conservative government is just following tradition. To commemorate the 60th anniversary of VE Day, former Prime Minister Paul Martin included all three opposition leaders on his trip to the Netherlands…
This is simply beyond the pall. Forget mean-spiritness, or asholiness, we've come to expect that from Harper. And we're all big boys and girls, we don't mind the rough and tumble. But to play politics with an event as significant as this, with the memory of fallen Canadian soldiers…it's simply sickening.

I mean, there are times when politics should be put aside. For things that are larger. For Canada. Because it wasn't Conservatives or Liberals that gave their lives at Vimy, Mr. Harper. It was Canadians.

Harper has gone way over the line here. He should be ashamed.

Also weighing in
Cerberus: Harper again takes petty partisanship to new low
Scott's DiaTribes: Harper plays politics with patriotism
The Stormy Days of March:
Harper Believes He Can Get Away with Being a Partisan Hack
A View from the Left: Harper's act of partisanship a new low
Accidental Deliberations: Simple answers to simple questions
Zap you're frozen: Friday hate
Dave @ The Galloping Beaver: The petty warrior who hides behind his shield and shows naught to his foe, for he is truly a coward
Saundrie: Since when are Canadian War Memorials partisan political tools? Answer: Now that Harper is PM
Canadian Cynic:
Stephen Harper channels his inner petulant, infantile dumbass
Abandoned Stuff by Saskboy: Harper doesn’t invite opposition to Vimy Ridge 90th

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2 comments:

Karen said...

You know Jeff, I've read your post and most of the others you reference. Each one makes me sadder and more angry, in that, just how craven this all is.

My Grandfather was there and he'd be appalled at this junk. In fact, he'd probably look at me with his head cocked to the right and ask me to repeat this latest nonsense, in absolute disbelief. He believed in Canada, full stop.

Matt said...

Holding French citizenship and being very prominent French-Canadian politician, if Stephane Dion wanted to go to Vimy Ridge for the ceremony he could have orchestrated it very easily himself.
Keep drinking your koolaid Jeff, just be sure not to choke as you spin.