I haven't blogged much on the election this past week. One big reason is I'm upset at Harper's complete refusal to even let his MPs bring up the topic of abortion. I think it shows a contempt of parliament, and a contempt for many of his supporters, donors and volunteers.
However, I think it's useful to think about the reason he made that claim. Harper felt the need to insulate himself from the claims he has a hidden agenda to radically change Canadian social policy. I just don't understand how that can stick, he's had three years to try to push an agenda and he hasn't done anything.
I understand social policy is divisive and most people would rather just not talk about it. In real life, neither do I. For this reason, the opposition has a lot of incentive to make Harper look like an extremist. After all, it's worked before. The only problem is it's a pile of hooey. If you want to avoid difficult social issues, the only way to vote is Conservative.
The left has plenty of social issues they want to press. Liberal senators are regularly pushing for euthanasia. The NDP and the Greens are for decriminalizing drugs. Further down the line are polygamy and legal prostitution.
As much as I would like him too, Harper is not going to push the abortion issue, but he won't push the other issues either and that's a very good thing.
1 comment:
This election has been a waste of time from the beginning. Dysfunctional parliament is complete, to coin a term, "hooey" unless you include the "leader" in the hooey category.
By the end of tomorrow, nothing will have changed....a few new faces, a few seats change hands, and still a minority government. Thanks to Steven for wasting a few more months in office.
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