Canada: Globe and Mail endorses Harper!? What the hell?

[Newsjock]

Source: The Globe and Mail

... Only Stephen Harper and the Conservative Party have shown the leadership, the bullheadedness (let's call it what it is) and the discipline this country needs. He has built the Conservatives into arguably the only truly national party, and during his five years in office has demonstrated strength of character, resolve and a desire to reform. Canadians take Mr. Harper's successful stewardship of the economy for granted, which is high praise. He has not been the scary character portrayed by the opposition; with some exceptions, his government has been moderate and pragmatic.

Mr. Harper could achieve a great deal more if he would relax his grip on Parliament, its independent officers and the flow of information, and instead bring his disciplined approach to bear on the great challenges at hand. That is the great strike against the Conservatives: a disrespect for Parliament, the abuse of prorogation, the repeated attempts (including during this campaign) to stanch debate and free expression. It is a disappointing failing in a leader who previously emerged from a populist movement that fought so valiantly for democratic reforms.

... The campaign of 2011 – so vicious and often vapid – should not be remembered fondly. But that will soon be behind us. If the result is a confident new Parliament, it could help propel Canada into a fresh period of innovation, government reform and global ambition. Stephen Harper and the Conservatives are best positioned to guide Canada there.

Read more: http://www.theglobeandmail.com/news/opinions/editorials/the-globes-election-endorsement-facing-up-to-our-challenges/article2001610/

[sharp_stick]

1. Wow

that I didn't expect to see. Why has the Liberal Party fallen so far out of favor?

[applegrove]

2. Michael Ignatieff is just not a politician and seemed overjoyed, like a baby,

when he said "Rise Up Canada" and it emotionally connected with the people in the room with him. He tried using it again and again in the days later. That showed him as being really inexperienced politically. Sad thing is he would make a good Prime Minister...just so long as somebody else would do the politics. Ignatieff had 5 years to learn how to be a politician, but didn't realize how far behind the game he was until the end of year 3.