Pondering politics!
Michaëlle Jean, the Governor General Designate, is a heated point of debate and it continues to rage. What does this say about Canada? What does it say about our Prime Minister and our government? What does it say about the Leader of the Opposition and about our parliamentary system of government?
I am not going to get into the debate about her qualifications or whom she and her husband may have been associated with at some time in their life. I know I have been associated with some people in my past that I regret, but I trust I will be judged by who I am and not by the persons of my past.
Canada is a country badly in need of a reality check. Are we compassionate and caring or are we struggling with an inferiority complex? Who are we? I believe it is time for parliament to amend our constitution, break from the monarchy, establish our own form of government and clearly define who we are as a country and just what it is we want to be in the future as a progressive nation. Do this and we won’t need to worry about any future Governor General appointments. It would also go a long way to resolving separatism in Quebec.
Regardless, it seems the Prime Minister has chosen a controversial person to serve as Canada’s Governor General. I am sure he did all the security checks and there were many he could have chosen that were more qualified. The Prime Minister and his government made a political appointment and such appointments are made to help the government and not the opposition. Michaëlle Jean will serve the liberals well in Quebec. Who knows, she may even serve Canada well and so she should. That is her role.
Stephan Harper and the opposition have not displayed any form of leadership on the issue. Harper has now conceded on the appointment and is prepared to accept her nomination. This is in contrast to Andrew Scheer, M.P. for Regina Qu’Appelle, who has made a fool comment on his web blog, http://andrewscheermp.blogspot.com/, to refer to Michaëlle Jean and Al-Queda terrorists in the same context. This is shaudy politics and plays on the emotions of people in an attempt to gain cheap political points. Desparate politicians resort to desperate measures.
It is clear that our parliamentary system of government is failing us and many of our politicians are failing us. It is time for Canada to make some changes and grow up as a nation, but who will lead us in this noble cause?
Pondering,
Larry Birkbeck
Regina, SK
306-789-5775
