I've been struggling ever since the Tory Cabinet announcements about how to come to terms with the inclusion of Liberal David Emerson and the non-elected Michael Fortier. This is a classic case of "Cognitive Dissonance", which I studied in my university days.
On one hand, I want to believe that both the party and leader I supported are 100% beyond ethical approach. But something tells me this was not a 'Kosher' decision. (My apologies to anyone who might take offense). In this classic psychological dilemma, one tries to reduce the feeling of anxiety or unease between the extreme dichotomy of the polar opposites. In other words, you try to make yourself feel better.
Well, the best I can offer is that political pundits everywhere can be reassured that this new Government will not be boring; contrary to the previous concerns. There will be plenty of media fodder to chew on.
Messieurs Emerson and Fortier will no doubt enrich the new government's bench strength, and encourage the support of the business sector. Whether or not the entire affair can sustain ethical credibility is another matter. The verdict will be delivered at the next election.
4 comments:
I thought the National Post article on this was good that explained that Harper included those people to give some big cities, which didn't elect any Tories at all, a voice in cabinet. Now Vancouver and Montreal will feel represented in the government. Hopefully this will help to make big cities like that realize that the Conservatives can speak up for them too and then hopefully the cities will not be so anti-Conservative in the next election.
Steph, that's a good point about major city representation. The other issue that seems to be coming to light now, is that apparently the Liberals were in the final stages of a softwood lumber agreement, but didn't want to broadcast it for fear of appearing too pro-American. They wrongly assumed that they would retain power, and then could announce the agreement. From what I understand, David Emerson was on the inside of this intrigue, and now has the opportunity to finish the job for the Canadian softwood industry; which I assume would be in everyone's best interests.
It's a complicated issue. I think there's more to it than meets the eye. We'll have to be patient and see how it all pans out.
Yeah, all I know is that I trust the Prime Minister, which is something I haven't been able to say for the past 12 years or so.
Yeah, me too. I think that Stephen Harper is acting with Canada's best interests in mind, rather than just the survival of the government. He is definitely not "Mr. Dithers"!!
We'll just have to trust, and wait and see.
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