Canada: Globe and Mail endorses ... Harper!?

[Newsjock]

So much for the "liberal" Globe and Mail!
http://www.theglobeandmail.com/servlet/story/RTGAM.20060114.wxeelec0114/BNStory/Front

Editorial: Three reasons why it's time for a change

Canada has been well served by 12-plus years of Liberal rule. Despite what the opposition parties would have us believe, it has not been all scandal and nest-feathering.

... Nonetheless, we have concluded that the time has arrived for a change of government in Canada. Three reasons stand out above all.

1. While the past 12 years have been relatively good ones, the law of diminishing returns has been eroding Liberal effectiveness since at least the 2000 election. A change of leadership in 2003 has failed to reverse the process.

... 2. Then there is this matter of the culture of entitlement that has taken deep root within the Liberal Party. C. D. Howe may have been arrogant in invoking closure before debate even began on the pipeline bill in 1956, but at least he didn't hold up his chewing gum and announce he was entitled to his entitlements. Nor, to the best of our memory, did he take his driver on overseas business trips and defend the decision on the basis of his need for security advice. The Liberals have simply become too accustomed to power, and the elites in various sectors too accustomed to the Liberals. When even Ralph Goodale thinks it's all right to investigate yourself, you know you're in trouble.

... 3. Change is essential in a democracy. A perpetual lease on 24 Sussex Drive fuels the sense of entitlement that blurs the line between private gain and public good. Just as bad, a perpetual lease on Stornoway discourages the discipline and moderation required of an alternative government. Without a vibrant, continuing competition for power, a democracy runs the risk of degenerating into hegemony on the governing side and unreality on the opposition side. Both parties need to believe they can win elections — and lose them.

lots more

[fujiyama]

1. Kind of like supposed "liberal" papers here in the US

endorsing Bush.

What is with the world? Bush, Blair, Howard, Merkel, and now you guys?

I thought you were the one SANE nation left? Don't disappoint me Canada!

[Minstrel Boy]

2. The Globe and Mail must seem liberal only relative

to the US media. It's actually the pillar of old conservativism in the Canadian press. Usually, that's meant a brand of progressive conservatism. Still, this endorsement is really no surprise.

[Telly Savalas]

3. We need a change in Canada

As the Grope and Flail says, after 12 years the Liberals have become less effective, they've developed a culture of entitlement, and we need a change. So clearly I should be annointed the Grand Poobah of Canada and given full control of the government.