That’s a very interesting thread! Glad its so far been civil and I hope my contribution below doesn’t change that because I know that some of the opinions I’ll express are probably very unpopular.
First, let me say, I’m a Canadian citizen who immigrated here 15 years ago. This election (and probably for the rest of my life moving forward) I chose not to vote because I’ve been realizing over the past few years that the problem isn’t in parties or platforms. To me the problem is in the system itself. It doesn’t matter if you vote for the clown on the left or the one on the right. The pendulum will swing to this side then that side but the clock will remain broken. That is a completely different topic from this current thread so I’ll leave it at that.
I’m neither conservative nor liberal, I agree with elements from both sides and my conclusion about this polarity is that:
- Liberals on average tend to deny realities that seem to be self evident historically. This leads to policies that is oblivious to long term consequences and the intricate interconnectedness of social policy levers. They also seem to deny human nature and think it can be changed by passing laws. I laugh at this with my friends by saying that the Liberal mind is so open the brain fell out!
- Conservatives on the other hand are planted/rooted too strongly in current realities and in current way of doing things. With them the imagination of change is very difficult.
Ones have too much imagination, the others too little. Go figure.
As for Trudeau, Peck said it best when he said that he makes Obama look like Churchill. This takes me to my next potentially inflammatory opinion
.
I’m 39. Justin and, by most generational theories, Obama are my generation. I honestly think we’re a generation of wankers. We have no leadership to speak of and the world is and will be paying dearly as we continue to lead it like children. Interesting thing is that I picked up a book by Strauss & Howe recently (the people behind the terms GenX, Millennials, etc) that seem to confirm that this is just the natural rhythm of history bringing a generation into power that will lead the world into chaos (the book is called the Fourth Turning for anyone interested).
And Harper, I really had a dislike for the man as he just creeped the heck out of me. Harper reminds me of Dexter… But… I think he ran a tight ship and Canada weathered the financial crises in the best possible way under his leadership. Like the man or not, agree with his politics or not - he should go down in history as a competent leader who safely navigated Canada through an otherwise very tough time.
I’m of the opinion that what started in 2007/2008 is not over yet and Trudeau is way out of the league that’s about to hit the world economically but then again, I don’t think anyone is ready for whats coming so it doesn’t really matter that much.
Last but not least.. I’m of a Muslim background and I do not at all think Harper was Islamophobic or any of this nonsense. I came to Canada because I wanted a better chance for myself and family. I quickly understood that there are reasons why Canada is the way it is. There are certain fundamental values that make this place what it is.
When I come into your home (Canada or the US or any other country) I should respect your heritage and/or culture even if I disagree with some of its elements. To expect that my new home would bend over backwards to accommodate me and my “imported” culture is lunacy. I love Canada because I can be who I am without coercion or threat. But it looks to me that immigrants to this country (and Europe) want to reshape their host countries in their own image and if the natives disagree they’re “insert-your-word-here”-phobic. In my mind Harper was trying to be protective of what he believed are Canadian values. Maybe he took it too far but I understand where he was coming from and respect him for that.
What I believe Liberals don’t understand (in Canada as well as Europe) is that they are also going too far in ignoring fundamental social realities and rending the very fabric of western society under the guise of open mindedness and inclusiveness. Values are not a bad thing but to the liberal mind, bent on challenging every norm and established structures in society, they must be torn down and quickly.
I’m all for progress, inclusiveness, and humanism. I just know that we’re not really ready for them and we won’t be through legislation (or the legalization of pot)!
