I don't think Harper has compromised any principles, nor betrayed his integrity. I dont think he was ever a man of principles and integrity. He is a man who pursues power. Getting elected, particularly with a majority gave him a platform to act on who he really is. Having integrity somewhat requires intospection. Self analysis is not his strong suit. He is a tyrant and a clumsy, mediocre one at that.
Points well-taken, Pamela. Even if Harper started out with some integrity, it must have been more of a veneer than something deeply felt. His penchant for political opportunism has been quite apparent to observers these past several years.
Lorne, I respect Brent Rathgeber, in fact I'm presently reading his book, but I disagree with his analysis of Harper because a desire to pursue and have power does not come on a person over night. This desire is part of Harpers identity, it is his M,O., it's what drives him and it has been with him a long time. You cannot have integrity and at the same time want to control others. The desire to have power over others is the antithesis of integrity. Becoming PM especially with a majority has not only revealed Harper desire for power, but also his execution of that desire. He has been a study in tyranny. I realize I talk about this alot when describing Harrper, but I do because I consider it the root cause that underlies almost all of what he does. He is in fact to me a very dangerous man. Now he's taken us into a war, the far reaching consequence that he and his minions have given no thought to. Going to war is the end result of his deepest desire to have power. We still have another year with him as our PM. I am constantly on alert to what further destruction he will incur.
I agree with your analysis, Pamala. I recently read Paul Wells' book on Harper, The Longer I'm Prime Minister, and one thing that Wells makes clear, (with a certain admiration, I thought), is how Harper has made sure that his government is not brought down by careless mistakes; his rigid control over his caucus, and his legendary micro-managing, are testaments to his avidity for retaining power.
Strange, isn't it, Owen, how Harper's former fervour for transparency, accountability and greater parliamentary democracy disappeared after he took the reins of power? Rathgeber has clearly taken the full measure of the man,
I don't think Harper has compromised any principles, nor betrayed his integrity.
ReplyDeleteI dont think he was ever a man of principles and integrity. He is a man who pursues power. Getting elected, particularly with a majority gave him a platform to act on who he really is. Having integrity somewhat requires intospection. Self analysis is not his strong suit. He is a tyrant and a clumsy, mediocre one at that.
Points well-taken, Pamela. Even if Harper started out with some integrity, it must have been more of a veneer than something deeply felt. His penchant for political opportunism has been quite apparent to observers these past several years.
DeleteLorne, I respect Brent Rathgeber, in fact I'm presently reading his book, but I disagree with his analysis of Harper because a desire to pursue and have power does not come on a person over night. This desire is part of Harpers identity, it is his M,O., it's what drives him and it has been with him a long time. You cannot have integrity and at the same time want to control others. The desire to have power over others is the antithesis of integrity. Becoming PM especially with a majority has not only revealed Harper desire for power, but also his execution of that desire. He has been a study in tyranny. I realize I talk about this alot when describing Harrper, but I do because I consider it the root cause that underlies almost all of what he does. He is in fact to me a very dangerous man. Now he's taken us into a war, the far reaching consequence that he and his minions have given no thought to. Going to war is the end result of his deepest desire to have power. We still have another year with him as our PM. I am constantly on alert to what further destruction he will incur.
DeleteI agree with your analysis, Pamala. I recently read Paul Wells' book on Harper, The Longer I'm Prime Minister, and one thing that Wells makes clear, (with a certain admiration, I thought), is how Harper has made sure that his government is not brought down by careless mistakes; his rigid control over his caucus, and his legendary micro-managing, are testaments to his avidity for retaining power.
DeleteRathgeber's testimony is seminal. He knows the man too well.
ReplyDeleteStrange, isn't it, Owen, how Harper's former fervour for transparency, accountability and greater parliamentary democracy disappeared after he took the reins of power? Rathgeber has clearly taken the full measure of the man,
Delete