Harper's Skidoo

    Steven Harper recently announced his get tough on crime policy. Anticipating criticism, Harper noted that he was not interested in what research showed about deterrence, but rather suggests we defer to common sense.

In the present political climate, with Martin's obscure "vision for Canada", the somewhat futile aspirations of the left and green, global realities, and the sense of humour the Bloc bring to the table, some may at least be willing to give Harper a good look. After all, Paul Martin is not much more liberal than any blue blood, as many lefties would point out.

    From a strategic point of view, we could help Harper's team capitalize on the issues that he is likely to make some headway on. We should not do so, because it would make the world worse in terms of environmental destruction, social injustice and religious fanaticism.

    Politically, given the demographics, we may wish to notice that it is somewhat astounding that the Progressive Conservatives would dissolve in favour of a more Puritan right-wing party, that is sure to have less widespread appeal. It does not matter how many times the Conservatives change their name or leader, the main problem is their ideas. Many Canadians will rather vote for someone with no ideas, than someone with bad ones. Given, further, the complex socioeconomic, political and historical realities of how our world is shaped, it will not make much difference anyways if the liberals return.

    Common sense may help mitigate complexities of research and analysis, but standing alone, it just is another way of saying, "I don't know, but it sounds good." The entire idea of common sense, as a political slogan, panders to the lowest ebb of popular politics; it is more pathetic when Harper's views do not even resonate with the vast majority of urban Canadians. Remember, the people that will decide the election live in the GTA, not encamped on the edge of Slave Lake.