Stephen Harper = George W. Bush

[August1991]

It seems that the "progressive" Canadian Left has decided that the way to ensure Harper doesn't get a majority, or even back into Sussex Drive, is to claim that Harper is Bush Jnr's sock puppet.

What is this about Leftist Canadians? Why do they question the patriotism of their opponents? It ressembles McCarthyism. Can they not accept that Stephen Harper is a proud Canadian, deciding along with other Tories, what they think is best for Canada. Fine, the Left can disagree with the Tories' decisions but it is not productive to call into question their belief in Canada.

The Right doesn't question the loyalties of Jack Layton. Paul Martin had ships abroad but nobody doubted his attachment to Canada.

In any case, I don't think this attempt to criticize Harper by attaching him to Bush Jnr will work. One, the scary/Nazi Harper meme has been tried too many times before. It's tired and bored now. Two, self-styled urban sophisticates who usually try this argument sound vaguely urban American themselves. It seems as if they are engaging in a domestic US political debate, transposed to Canada. Three, Harper is simply too English Canadian for the critique to make any sense.

Critics say the move -- as well as a decision to ban media from filming the arrival of the coffins at Trenton air force base in Ontario -- showed Prime Minister Stephen Harper was following the lead of President Bush, who has taken similar steps in the Iraq war.

"If George Bush can't get along with Stephen Harper, he can't get along with any world leader," said David Taras, a political science professor at the University of Calgary. "They're ideological cousins, if not twins."

For the first time since the Afghan mission began, the government will shut down an Ontario airfield when the remains of four soldiers killed over the weekend are returned Tuesday.

It echoes a policy attempted by the Bush administration. Concerns that a stream of images of coffins draped in the Stars and Stripes would diminish public support for the Iraq war prompted the White House to impose a publication ban.

The term has drawn comparisons between Harper and U.S. President George W. Bush, who regularly ends speaking engagements with God Bless America.

It also showed how firmly Stephen Harper has hitched himself to the embattled Bush administration, even as the rest of the world runs away from it.

[Conservative1]

I agree wholeheartedly...

[geoffrey]

David Taras is a peice of work. I wouldn't listen to anything that comes out of that man's mouth, any stuck up snobby academic that has such an agenda as he does is not worth my time. He stirs up controversy just to get his repeat spot on Global News in Calgary.

The Liberals are going to shoot themselves in the foot if they and the media follow this line. If the Liberals don't present why they are a good choice with a vision for Canada, they will lose the election again. This attack on Harper won't do them any good.

Whenever the Liberals have tried to be reactionary, they always lose. Same with the conservatives. This time, the conservatives have a plan, and the liberals are reacting to it. They will lose.

[Leafless]

I think it's quite refreshing to hear a Conservative PM Stephen Harper with something in common with the U.S. and it's president George W. Bush concerning shared common political ideologies which no doubt will improve our current U.S.-Canada relationship for the betterment of both countries.

This is in deep contrast to our previous Liberal government who were unable to form a friendly U.S- Canada alliance and who could only focus on Quebec and some type of loose comparison with distant Europe.

[Nocrap]

I think it's quite refreshing to hear a Conservative PM Stephen Harper with something in common with the U.S. and it's president George W. Bush concerning shared common political ideologies which no doubt will improve our current U.S.-Canada relationship for the betterment of both countries.

This is in deep contrast to our previous Liberal government who were unable to form a friendly U.S- Canada alliance and who could only focus on Quebec and some type of loose comparison with distant Europe.

I believe most Canadians would like to see a better relationship with the US, but not at the expense of our own identity.

George Bush is whole different story. Most of the Western world despise him and only 32% of the American people have confidence in his abilities.

He will always be seen as a war mongering, self serving egotist, and the fact that Harper wants to emulate this poor excuse excuse for a human being, speaks volumes.

I've read Harper's biography and researched his political career and have come to the conclusion that he is a Republican at heart. Many of his followers like that about him. Just don't expect that to win favours with mainstream Canadians.

Shutting the media out of Trenton may have been the last straw. I live not far from there and the fallout with

veterans here, who believe that all of Canada has a right to mourn these soldiers, will not make him popular. All those interviewed by the local media are outraged and for the first time, question our involvement with a mission that requires such secrecy.

Harper obviously acts on impulse and does not think these things through.

[margrace]

Like the father of one of our fallen soldiers, I too believe that Canadians need to see the results of someone being sent to defend our freedom. That is what these soldiers believe thay are doing and hiding their homecoming is a disgrace to all who believed in why they went there.

We went their to get Ben Lauden, did we not? I believed in that, however I think we have walked into a trap, a trap that the Russians have already explored and lost in. Mr. Bush and Mr Harper believe in war obviously, I don't think the majority of Canadians have a stomach for seeing their young men slaughtered.

That is what Mr. Harper and General Mackenzie are afraid of, that we as Canadian Citizens will demand that our boys be brought home. Mr. Bush has tried to hide the facts of the deaths of these young American boys and girls and where has it got him.

[Michael Hardner]

What is this about Leftist Canadians? Why do they question the patriotism of their opponents?

Because it works ! As Norcap pointed out, GWB is highly unpopular and the easy tie-in will probably win political points with the masses.

Harper needs to realize he's not operating in a political vacuum. We still rely on television sound bytes to frame our perceptions of what is happening. By not maintaining a forceful political presence, he's allowing the Liberal spin machine to get a huge head start on defining him in the minds of Canadians.

[scribblet]

What is this about Leftist Canadians? Why do they question the patriotism of their opponents?

Because it works ! As Norcap pointed out, GWB is highly unpopular and the easy tie-in will probably win political points with the masses.

Harper needs to realize he's not operating in a political vacuum. We still rely on television sound bytes to frame our perceptions of what is happening. By not maintaining a forceful political presence, he's allowing the Liberal spin machine to get a huge head start on defining him in the minds of Canadians.

I agree, that it does work, its simply a political strategy to score points. Its fear mongering, playing to the intolerance and hatred towards Bush and the U.S. - it works. I'm no supporter of the war but hatred of Bush doesn't consume me nor give me tunnel vision. Harper and the CPC is left of the U.S. democrats, but by asserting that we (Canadians) are different doesn't make us superior. In fact, our moralizing and continuing assertion that we are better and everything the U.S. does is wrong, makes us definitely appear inferior.

[Drea]

I agree, that it does work, its simply a political strategy to score points. Its fear mongering, playing to the intolerance and hatred towards Bush and the U.S. - it works. I'm no supporter of the war but hatred of Bush doesn't consume me nor give me tunnel vision. Harper and the CPC is left of the U.S. democrats, but by asserting that we (Canadians) are different doesn't make us superior. In fact, our moralizing and continuing assertion that we are better and everything the U.S. does is wrong, makes us definitely appear inferior.

Just last night friends were discussing this and the main point was "does Harper live in a cave?"

Does he not know that 80% of the world despises GW?

Does he not know that by following in GW's footsteps he is alienating Canadians? Regardless of whether or not he "wants" to follow Bush, he is percieved as doing so.

If Harper wants to hold onto his govt he should realize that the majority of Canadians want to distance themselves as far as possible from GW (currently, the most despised man on the planet).

[lit_schaeffer]

By moving us into an era of sound-bite politics masquerading as responsible opposition, the Liberals are doing more to "Americanize" politics in Canada than Harper will. Bush is an idiot, almost everyone, likely including Harper, realize this. Nevertheless, he is the leader of the only remaining superpower, and our interests are much more in common with the U.S. than with the U.S.'s enemies.

[Michael Hardner]

By moving us into an era of sound-bite politics masquerading as responsible opposition, the Liberals are doing more to "Americanize" politics in Canada than Harper will. Bush is an idiot, almost everyone, likely including Harper, realize this. Nevertheless, he is the leader of the only remaining superpower, and our interests are much more in common with the U.S. than with the U.S.'s enemies.

That era has been here since the 1964 presidential election campaign actually. The problem with these types of issues has been well discussed but until there is a continental shift in the way we discuss things, Mr. Harper has to live within that reality, even if he wants to improve the level of dialogue.

Still, it's early in the government for him and he will learn from his mistakes.

[scribblet]

I agree, that it does work, its simply a political strategy to score points. Its fear mongering, playing to the intolerance and hatred towards Bush and the U.S. - it works. I'm no supporter of the war but hatred of Bush doesn't consume me nor give me tunnel vision. Harper and the CPC is left of the U.S. democrats, but by asserting that we (Canadians) are different doesn't make us superior. In fact, our moralizing and continuing assertion that we are better and everything the U.S. does is wrong, makes us definitely appear inferior.

Just last night friends were discussing this and the main point was "does Harper live in a cave?"

Does he not know that 80% of the world despises GW?

Does he not know that by following in GW's footsteps he is alienating Canadians? Regardless of whether or not he "wants" to follow Bush, he is percieved as doing so.

If Harper wants to hold onto his govt he should realize that the majority of Canadians want to distance themselves as far as possible from GW (currently, the most despised man on the planet).

Personally I don't care who or how many 'despise' Bush, it doesn't matter. The U.S. is our ally and main trading partner, so it makes no sense whatsoever to alienate them any further than the Liberal gov't allready has. Too bad people can't put their personal hatreds aside for the good of both countries.

[Hicksey]

Critics say the move -- as well as a decision to ban media from filming the arrival of the coffins at Trenton air force base in Ontario -- showed Prime Minister Stephen Harper was following the lead of President Bush, who has taken similar steps in the Iraq war.

It's called having respect for the dead. These men's bodies are not pawns in a partisan agenda, one way or the other.

In the US, there is a group of protestors showing up at soldiers funerals with signs reading "Thank God for Dead Soldiers."

I don't care what your position on the war is. If you want to spend every waking minute of your day protesting outside the parliament buildings or even 24 Sussex Drive, go ahead. You can even stand there with signs bearing the name of every dead soldier so far if you want. But have some respect for the dead. Have respect for their families who are going through a difficult grieving process. I don't ask that anyone change their mind or even stop protesting something you believe is wrong--just have some respect for the dead.

I think that between the media and the protestors I cannot think of something more callous and morally repugnant to do to the dead and their family than this.

[Leafless]

Nocrap

You wrote- " I've read Harper's biography and researched his politcal career and have come to the conclusion that he is a Republican at heart. Many of his followers like that about him. Just don't expect to win favours of with mainstrem Canadians."

Well, Ive researched PET's political ideologies and other Liberal PM's who have followed in his footsteps and can't believe mainstream Canadians posses and advocate communist political aspirations but some Canadians could be a sucker for Liberal political manipulation.

I'am just wondering Nocrap if you have any kind of proof what the world would be like at this time in history if The U.S. and it's allies had not pursued the War on Terrorism as it is evident even at this time Muslim terrorist are a detirmined lot to continue to cause world havoc, yes?

[Black Dog]

What is this about Leftist Canadians? Why do they question the patriotism of their opponents? It ressembles McCarthyism. Can they not accept that Stephen Harper is a proud Canadian, deciding along with other Tories, what they think is best for Canada. Fine, the Left can disagree with the Tories' decisions but it is not productive to call into question their belief in Canada.

That's not what (most) people who equate the two are saying at all. However, the ideaologies of Harper and Bush, and their styles of governance are quite similar. Shit: that's one of the selling points for many right-wingers. To wit:

I think it's quite refreshing to hear a Conservative PM Stephen Harper with something in common with the U.S. and it's president George W. Bush concerning shared common political ideologies which no doubt will improve our current U.S.-Canada relationship for the betterment of both countries.

The difference is, lefties (heck: most Canadians) see emulating George W. Bush as a bad thing, not a positive. It has F.A. to do with patriotism.

Its fear mongering, playing to the intolerance and hatred towards Bush and the U.S. - it works.

So which is it guys: does Stephen Harper "share a common poltical ideology" with the Worst President Ever or is that just "intolerance...and fear mongering"?

Personally I don't care who or how many 'despise' Bush, it doesn't matter. The U.S. is our ally and main trading partner, so it makes no sense whatsoever to alienate them any further than the Liberal gov't allready has. Too bad people can't put their personal hatreds aside for the good of both countries.

Again: this is about Harper's similarities to his ideaological bretheren in the States. Canadian conservatives aren't usually shy about wanting to emulate many of the U.S.'s traits: why so coy now?

In the US, there is a group of protestors showing up at soldiers funerals with signs reading "Thank God for Dead Soldiers."

Just to be clear: that group is notorious anti-gay wingnut Fred Phelps and his small cult of followers. They aren't protestors n the sense of having a mesage: they are just assholes.

[Wilber]

It's too bad that there are so many Canadians who cannot separate doing the right thing from their own personal feelings toward the United States. Until Canadians can make that distinction, Canada's so called "Identity" will mean little more than not being like the US.

[Hicksey]

It's too bad that there are so many Canadians who cannot separate doing the right thing from their own personal feelings toward the United States. Until Canadians can make that distinction, Canada's so called "Identity" will mean little more than not being like the US.

That's all it has been as long as I've followed politics.

Of couse none of the hypocrites in question will acknowledge that without the teet of the USA from which to wean, this Socialist's Wet Dream doesn't happen. They'll willing suck from the teet of someone they hate. If the US is that bad they ought to be principled and refuse.

Because of the left's lunacy in booing national anthems and their politicians constantly publicly belittling Americans it is fast becoming a more hostile place for Canadians to travel. And given the how the Canadian left treat them its hard to blame them. When I tell them that I'm as embarassed by the behavior as they are angered by it, the hostility usually wanes. I don't revere the US or even really like Bush at all. But I am mindful that they are our most important economic and military ally so treating them like the left likes to is counter-productive.

[Leafless]

Hicksey

You wrote- " I don't revere the U.S. or even like Bush at all."

You should say of course if you don't like Bush you don't like the Republicans.

I don't know why you think like that though because our very own Canadian culture emluates the American one and in all the years with our close association with the U.S our sovereignty has never been threatened by any other country in the world and our lifestyles has only been enhanced by our U.S -Canada relationship but soured somewhat by the previous federal Liberals political actions.

I mean even in Quebec as elsewhere in Canada, the last time I checked they still drive Ford's and Chev's eat American style based foods and wear American style clothing and watch U.S. sports and U.S. movies and enjoy Bill Gates inventions.

I think we should remember the unique historical ties concerning our origins as countries are rooted from the same source as well as you say as being our most important economic and trading ally.

I guess after you look at all the facts maybe you should be saying yes, the U.S. is our best friend and ally and no other country in this world could replace that reality.

[newbie]

Stephen Harper's mantra: God bless Canada, good; I love Canada, bad

[Black Dog]

Because of the left's lunacy in booing national anthems and their politicians constantly publicly belittling Americans it is fast becoming a more hostile place for Canadians to travel.

Any evidence of this? Any at all? I've said it before and I'll say it again: Canadian "anti-Americanism" makes news here, not in America. Yanks, by and large, don't know and don't care about what the rest of the world thinks of them. Also, there's the inconvienient fact that Canada, of all the nations in the world, has the most positive view of America and its people. Canadian anti-Americanism is largely a media phenomenon.

[August1991]

What is this about Leftist Canadians? Why do they question the patriotism of their opponents?

Because it works ! As Norcap pointed out, GWB is highly unpopular and the easy tie-in will probably win political points with the masses.

Harper needs to realize he's not operating in a political vacuum. We still rely on television sound bytes to frame our perceptions of what is happening. By not maintaining a forceful political presence, he's allowing the Liberal spin machine to get a huge head start on defining him in the minds of Canadians.

I'm not so certain that it really does work, Michael.

There is a "small" group of young, urban Canadians who follow media trends closely and for them, Bush is "just so uncool".

In their minds, identifying Harper with Bush will make Harper unelectable. What these kids fail to understand is that their definition of "cool" is irrelevant to Canadians in the hinterland who may potentially vote Tory.

The Leftist kids are Starbucks latte sophisticates who think it will be a vote-getter to tell everyone that Harper goes to Tim Horton's and eats Krispy Kremes. The strategy won't work.

I've said it before and I'll say it again: Canadian "anti-Americanism" makes news here, not in America.

True.

Yanks, by and large, don't know and don't care about what the rest of the world thinks of them.

Yanks care what others think about them, but they just rarely hear it.

Also, there's the inconvienient fact that Canada, of all the nations in the world, has the most positive view of America and its people.

Not true. Around the world, many, many people (particularly young) dream of going to America and seeing it with their own eyes. I would agree that English-Canadians are obsessed with the US to a degree that I have never seen elsewhere.

Canadian anti-Americanism is largely a media phenomenon.

Not true. It exists outside of the media too, in normal conversation.

[Michael Hardner]

I'm not so certain that it really does work, Michael.

There is a "small" group of young, urban Canadians who follow media trends closely and for them, Bush is "just so uncool".

In their minds, identifying Harper with Bush will make Harper unelectable. What these kids fail to understand is that their definition of "cool" is irrelevant to Canadians in the hinterland who may potentially vote Tory.

The Leftist kids are Starbucks latte sophisticates who think it will be a vote-getter to tell everyone that Harper goes to Tim Horton's and eats Krispy Kremes. The strategy won't work.

You'd be surprised as to who is anti-Bush and who isn't. These sentiments are running high at numbers greater than the young urban starbucks crowd.

Even if it doesn't work, Harper seems to be eschewing the marketing-brand-awareness style of politics. Not that that idea doesn't thrill me, (to be clear:I like the idea of that style of politics disappearing) but it would be futile for him to pretend he can change it on his own.

[August1991]

You'd be surprised as to who is anti-Bush and who isn't. These sentiments are running high at numbers greater than the young urban starbucks crowd.

The Starbucks reference was a figure of speech to make my point plain to the non-Harper Leftists. But I'll bet that Tim Hortons has more customers than Starbucks, and on this issue, I'll bet Harper has the numbers game on his side.

Harper seems to be eschewing the marketing-brand-awareness style of politics. Not that that idea doesn't thrill me, (to be clear:I like the idea of that style of politics disappearing) but it would be futile for him to pretend he can change it on his own.

No, I don't think Harper is eschewing brand-style politics. All that is happening is that ultra-brand-concious young urban voters are seeing politics as it used to be done.

Remember: Harper's a policy guy. When Laurier sent troops off to the Boer War, do you think he was primarily concerned (as Chretien obviously was) about the optics of how flags would fly?

[Michael Hardner]

The Starbucks reference was a figure of speech to make my point plain to the non-Harper Leftists. But I'll bet that Tim Hortons has more customers than Starbucks, and on this issue, I'll bet Harper has the numbers game on his side.

I'll take that bet.

No, I don't think Harper is eschewing brand-style politics. All that is happening is that ultra-brand-concious young urban voters are seeing politics as it used to be done.

Remember: Harper's a policy guy. When Laurier sent troops off to the Boer War, do you think he was primarily concerned (as Chretien obviously was) about the optics of how flags would fly?

Well, that's kind of what I'm saying. Maybe he's more interested in substance than superficiality. Good for him. But he still has to live in the world. There have been plenty of politicians who have done a good job and still been voted out of office.

[August1991]

The Starbucks reference was a figure of speech to make my point plain to the non-Harper Leftists. But I'll bet that Tim Hortons has more customers than Starbucks, and on this issue, I'll bet Harper has the numbers game on his side.

I'll take that bet.

Let's be clear what the bet is. I'll bet that in Canada, Tim Hortons has more revenue than Starbucks. And I'll bet that in the next federal election, the Tories get more votes than any other party, and more votes than they got in the last election.

There have been plenty of politicians who have done a good job and still been voted out of office.

True. But the Liberals concluded that election victories were only a question of optics, brands and comfy fur. Many Liberals still think that way.