As much as I think it is troubling for the democratic process it does serve a couple of larger interests. First, it shows us just how competent the Conservatives are at doing things like this. One cannot imagine that the NDP or the Liberals, even if they wanted to, would be able to execute as tightly as the Conservatives did. It is yet another example - fund-raising, attack ads, issue selection - just how advanced the right-wing are at managing elections and related get out the vote and energize your base campaigns.
Second, it really shows - especially in counterpoint with the Bruce Carsen file - the extent and sheer force of Harper's control freakery. In the case of Carsen, all reasonable security safeguards and processes were thrown by the wayside in order to approve his clearance. Presumably because it was clear this is what Harper wanted. Similarly, and poetically inverted, potential voters with even the hint of possible dissent are screened and excluded from rallies using security as a pretext. Again, presumably, because the big man wanted it that way. Note that in both cases the RCMP seemed willing to act contrary to its policies and mandate to accommodate the PM's will.
Not that there's anything wrong with being a control freak. Really, there is not. It is often the sign of a great and effective leader. The problem is that it sometimes looks bad. And small. And petty. And these are areas where Harper is vulnerable in the public opinion. Although he maintains that the voters are not interested in any of these process issues. Maybe he is right. But one cannot help but wonder how he knows this as he refuses to meet people who might express an objection to this view. - BC
Posts
No comments:
Post a Comment