Does Canada Have a Value System?

Whispering in the Wind (WITW 53) November 12, 2014

Last week, while Steven Harper was making deals in China, Thomas Mulcair and Justin Trudeau were in Ottawa squabbling over what constituted “personal misconduct” by two Liberal MPs.  Little doubt, Steven Harper knows how to play the international political game extremely well when compared to his political rivals– both Mulcair and Trudeau are starting to look and act like buffoons in Canada’s eye.  As to whether Mr. Harper is able to win the hearts and minds of Canadians in the next election is still an open question but the opposition party leaders had best face up to political reality.  And let’s not forget about the other headline grabber, media star Jian Ghomeshi.  Mr. Ghomeshi has put a whole new light on sexual liberation – I’m the guy who not too many years ago thought that homosexuality would remain in the closet.

Harper’s China Trip

Prime Minister Harper just returned from the Peoples Republic of China to attend Remembrance Day ceremonies in Ottawa – both events would have to be considered political successes for Mr. Harper.  While in China Mr. Harper oversaw the signing of about $2 billion in trade agreements and signed a very significant financial arrangement with China’s Premier Li Keqiang.  Authorized by China’s central bank, the so-called Chinese “trading hub” will allow for direct business between Canada and China using the Canadian dollar and the Chinese Yuan (also known as renminbi or RMB), cutting out the middleman which in most cases means the U.S. dollar.  Experts are saying that this new financial hub could save up to 5 – 6 percent in transaction costs and would save considerable time in doing the necessary paperwork.  From my perspective it is far too early to draw any firm conclusions about this new financial arrangement with China.  Nevertheless, with two dozen hubs locations around the world, Canada had no choice but to join the Hub Club.  The real question for Canada, was what the Prime Minister signed on November 8 a good deal for the nation, was it a necessary evil or was it global entrapment where national boarders and government regulations are irrelevant?

Two Liberals on the Chopping Block

Liberal MPs Scott Andrews and Massimo Pacetti have been hung out to dry in what has become a parliamentary fiasco for both Mr. Mulcair of the New Democrats and Justin Trudeau of the Liberals.  When it comes to politics I have often used the phrase:  In the absence of transparency, one can only speculate.  This whole scenario is wrapped in unwarranted secrecy and is unfolding to the detriment of both the New Democratic Party and the Liberals.  What is known:  two female New Democrats were apparently hassled or harassed by two male Liberal MPs.  Neither of the female MPs considered the affronts to be serious enough to lodge a formal complaint.  Nevertheless one of the New Democrat females went to Justin Trudeau to informally complain – presumably without seeking guidance or advice from her leader, Thomas Mulcair – that in itself is a political no – no.  After hearing the concerns Mr. Trudeau immediately suspended Scott Andrews and Massimo Pacetti from the Liberal caucus and because there is no process to deal with such matters, the Liberal leader referred the matter to the Speaker of the House of Commons.  The Speaker without a process in mind referred the matter to parliament’s most secret committee for consideration – a committee that does not have to explain or justify its decisions.  As to whether Liberal leader Trudeau made the right decision to suspend Andrews and Pacetti, I think he did – he had no other choice.  As to the correctness of a New Democrat going to the Liberal leader and offer a not-so-serious concern(s), the approach was unwise and demonstrated poor political judgement.  From my perspective politics is all about words and personality and that is threatened with this incident that is now being handled by a secret committee.  Too many politicians in Canada are being molded by handlers where personalities are crafted rather than genuine, mistake making personalities.  So as Canadians await further information and clarification there is little doubt, four political careers hang in the balance.    

The Balloon Bursts for Jian Ghomeshi – Simply put, star of radio and television program Q, Jian Ghomeshi is a self- proclaimed participant in masochistic sexual perversions.  Ghomeshi needs more than therapy, he needs serious jail time.