Harper assuming presidential stance

[jefferiah]

Yes, I am sure the soldier were passing thinking..."Oh man, what a state of confusion I am in. Who am I saluting here?" Man you people are sticklers. Strain a gnat, swallow a camel.

[Fortunata]

This matter may seem insignificant at first glance, a slight matter of breached protocol, but it is significant. Harper has been a long admirer of US style government; he said in a speech many years ago that Canadian-style parliament is archaic. Harper will continually edge protocol to seek presidential-type powers slowly so it will escape whole-sale gab and criticism, much like some of you here think it is no big deal. It is one small step in what Harper would eventually like to see himself as, President of Canada.

Harper is smart; he knows human nature. He knows one small step at a time will lead the ultimate goal and by then it will be too late because too many people will not recognize the import of each step. It will have been done. We will have been sheep (as we see here).

[Canadian Blue]

Ah but isn't that the draw for Men such as Harper, all dictators in whatever mode usually control the military.

Are you kidding me, honestly.......

Man some people have to stop smoking so much pot.

This matter may seem insignificant at first glance, a slight matter of breached protocol, but it is significant. Harper has been a long admirer of US style government; he said in a speech many years ago that Canadian-style parliament is archaic. Harper will continually edge protocol to seek presidential-type powers slowly so it will escape whole-sale gab and criticism, much like some of you here think it is no big deal. It is one small step in what Harper would eventually like to see himself as, President of Canada.

Harper is smart; he knows human nature. He knows one small step at a time will lead the ultimate goal and by then it will be too late because too many people will not recognize the import of each step. It will have been done. We will have been sheep (as we see here).

Canadian style parliament is archaic. 40% of the vote equals 60% of the seats which equals 100% of the power. The American system is far better since they employ checks and balances in order to maintain that the people are being represented. As well a system like the US would probably give Harper fewer powers if he were to become president.

[g_bambino]

Maybe he stood just stood by her. Who cares? Do people have to dig up something so insignificant to badger Harper?

It's not just the one instance, it's that this was one instance of many. It's merely something to look at and consider, not get chest pains over.

[Fortunata]

Canadian style parliament is archaic. 40% of the vote equals 60% of the seats which equals 100% of the power. The American system is far better since they employ checks and balances in order to maintain that the people are being represented. As well a system like the US would probably give Harper fewer powers if he were to become president.

US style government has as many flaws as ours has. Don't forget they work on first past the post system as well. Last election, for example, Colorado with 2 (?) electoral seats was decreed from the bench that if one seat went one way then the other had to follow, notwithstanding one half of the state voted blue and the other voted red. That's like telling Alberta if one seat got a majority Liberal votes they would all have to be Liberal reps. That's one of their major flaws.

Some people in this country would like to emulate the US systems in most things if not all things just because it is US and not Canadian. Grass is always greener when seen from afar and some Canadians feel inferior just because.

However, you digress from the point, which is, while leader of Canada do not undermine protocol and tradition unless is it nationally discussed and agreed-upon. We have a GG for head of state, like it or not. If you don't like it change it openly instead of trying to slime under the radar. Do it like a man not a weasel.

[jefferiah]

This matter may seem insignificant at first glance, a slight matter of breached protocol, but it is significant. Harper has been a long admirer of US style government; he said in a speech many years ago that Canadian-style parliament is archaic. Harper will continually edge protocol to seek presidential-type powers slowly so it will escape whole-sale gab and criticism, much like some of you here think it is no big deal. It is one small step in what Harper would eventually like to see himself as, President of Canada.

Harper is smart; he knows human nature. He knows one small step at a time will lead the ultimate goal and by then it will be too late because too many people will not recognize the import of each step. It will have been done. We will have been sheep (as we see here).

It seems you have the ability to read Harper's mind and foretell his actions. You talk about small steps. You have taken one silly breach of protocol and made a long stride. Maybe Harper and the Governor General didn't think it was such a biggie. Standing beside the Governor General is not going to help him usurp power. Do you think we were all watching the ceremonies thinking, "Hmmm Harper is by the Governor General now. Maybe he is our Dictator. Yes. Praise Harper. Our Dictator."? Yes. Next we will all have pictures of Harper in our schools and homes, because he stood on the dais. The thing I always liked about Canada is that being small (in population) and insignificant, we are not such a serious nation. Maybe I was completely wrong. Maybe Harper feels the same way I do. Maybe in Alberta people are not uptight about things like this. Maybe he thought why not stand there by my friend the Governor General and show my support for the troops. Personally I think most people identify more with the Prime Minister as a leader anyway, than the symbolic ornamental Governor General.

.

[Fortunata]

jefferiah, I'd like to be your banker or financial advisor.

[g_bambino]

We have a GG for head of state, like it or not. If you don't like it change it openly instead of trying to slime under the radar. Do it like a man not a weasel.

Well, firstly, the GG is not the head of state, she's simply the representative of our head of state - just a technicality, albeit an important one. Secondly, though I agree that if someone is going to push for a republican government for Canada they should do it openly and not by stealth, I don't think Harper is any real threat to the Canadian Monarchy; he, and most of those in the Cabinet, are monarchists. I know he has expressed what could be interpreted as an admiration for the US system, but then again, so did John A. Macdonald, who made this country a kingdom in the first place.

I can't say for sure what's going on with Harper and the military, but this may simply be a matter of him playing top soldier. I don't agree with it, and feel that he should know his place and respect it (which he seems to do on other accounts), but I certainly don't think we're seeing a dictator in the making.

[jefferiah]

jefferiah, I'd like to be your banker or financial advisor.

Lololol I'd have to have finances for that.

[g_bambino]

Personally I think most people identify more with the Prime Minister as a leader anyway, than the symbolic ornamental Governor General.

Sadly, this is probably true, and if a prime minister ever were to make a serious attempt to pull power from the Crown it is exactly this type of ignorance that would give him the public support to do so. The point that people think the Governor General is merely an ornament says enough.

[jefferiah]

Well, yes Bambino, I understand that. But the thing is people are automatically assuming Harper's intent in standing next to the GG is a power play. I think they are making something out of nothing. If I were in the army personally I would want to see the PM there.

[g_bambino]

Well, yes Bambino, I understand that. But the thing is people are automatically assuming Harper's intent in standing next to the GG is a power play. I think they are making something out of nothing. If I were in the army personally I would want to see the PM there.

Some people assume that, yes; and it is a bit over the top.

I have no issue with the PM being there, of course, just not on the dais with the Governor General, as though the two were equal. That's the kind of behaviour I'd expect from Martin, not Harper.

During the Throne Speech the PM sits on a smaller chair to the right-hand side of the Queen or GG, who is in the throne itself. Harper standing beside the dias would have been acceptable to me; more in line with protocol, and the legal reality of who is actually Commander-in-Chief.

[Fortunata]

... But the thing is people are automatically assuming Harper's intent in standing next to the GG is a power play. I think they are making something out of nothing. If I were in the army personally I would want to see the PM there.

It is not necesssarily a power play as you see it and you should not interpret other's opinions as such without them stating it is. It is a testing of the waters to see how many people just lay back and take it without comment to see how far he can actually go. Harper has stated he wants Canada to be a major world player and do you honestly think he will willingly take a back seat to the GG on that world stage? I think not. He wants to be as glorified as an American president is both domestically and around the world. No matter how Americans feel about their current prez or no matter how the world thinks about the current "world leader", the position is one of the highest ranking, if not the highest ranked. Harper wants a ranking on par.

[jefferiah]

... But the thing is people are automatically assuming Harper's intent in standing next to the GG is a power play. I think they are making something out of nothing. If I were in the army personally I would want to see the PM there.

It is not necesssarily a power play as you see it and you should not interpret other's opinions as such without them stating it is. It is a testing of the waters to see how many people just lay back and take it without comment to see how far he can actually go. Harper has stated he wants Canada to be a major world player and do you honestly think he will willingly take a back seat to the GG on that world stage? I think not. He wants to be as glorified as an American president is both domestically and around the world. No matter how Americans feel about their current prez or no matter how the world thinks about the current "world leader", the position is one of the highest ranking, if not the highest ranked. Harper wants a ranking on par.

Thats another assumption on your part. Testing the waters to see how far he can go. You don't know what Harper's motive was.

[sharkman]

It is not necesssarily a power play as you see it and you should not interpret other's opinions as such without them stating it is. It is a testing of the waters to see how many people just lay back and take it without comment to see how far he can actually go. Harper has stated he wants Canada to be a major world player and do you honestly think he will willingly take a back seat to the GG on that world stage? I think not. He wants to be as glorified as an American president is both domestically and around the world. No matter how Americans feel about their current prez or no matter how the world thinks about the current "world leader", the position is one of the highest ranking, if not the highest ranked. Harper wants a ranking on par.

What is this shite? Another anti-american rant dressed up as commentary. Try again.

[gerryhatrick]

It is not necesssarily a power play as you see it and you should not interpret other's opinions as such without them stating it is. It is a testing of the waters to see how many people just lay back and take it without comment to see how far he can actually go. Harper has stated he wants Canada to be a major world player and do you honestly think he will willingly take a back seat to the GG on that world stage? I think not. He wants to be as glorified as an American president is both domestically and around the world. No matter how Americans feel about their current prez or no matter how the world thinks about the current "world leader", the position is one of the highest ranking, if not the highest ranked. Harper wants a ranking on par.

What is this shite? Another anti-american rant dressed up as commentary. Try again.

How is that anti-American? In now way did he disparage Americans.

The political correctness concerning America is a little out of hand.

[Fortunata]

What is this shite? Another anti-american rant dressed up as commentary. Try again.

Holy smoke! How on earth did you get anti-American out of that?

[gerryhatrick]

What is this shite? Another anti-american rant dressed up as commentary. Try again.

Holy smoke! How on earth did you get anti-American out of that?

Everything anyone says in Canada these days is anti-American. It's become quite a useful political tool for the CPC.

[sharkman]

Gee, maybe it's because the leftwingers are claiming Harper's like Bush, DUH! Take this thread, for instance. Oh, look, yet another american reference. Could you come up with some new material?

[g_bambino]

Harper has stated he wants Canada to be a major world player and do you honestly think he will willingly take a back seat to the GG on that world stage? I think not. He wants to be as glorified as an American president is... Harper wants a ranking on par.

Interestingly, he's just recommended that the Governor General undertake state visits to five countries in Africa.

[hiti]

Harper has stated he wants Canada to be a major world player and do you honestly think he will willingly take a back seat to the GG on that world stage? I think not. He wants to be as glorified as an American president is... Harper wants a ranking on par.

Interestingly, he's just recommended that the Governor General undertake state visits to five countries in Africa.

None of which have any standing or power in the world.

[g_bambino]

Harper has stated he wants Canada to be a major world player and do you honestly think he will willingly take a back seat to the GG on that world stage? I think not. He wants to be as glorified as an American president is... Harper wants a ranking on par.

Interestingly, he's just recommended that the Governor General undertake state visits to five countries in Africa.

None of which have any standing or power in the world.

Perhaps, though South Africa could perhaps be considered somewhat important.

My point was the Governor General (rightly) continues to undertake state visits; Harper is not in any way attempting to revoke this role from the Vice-regal.