No one wants to lead the Liberals
In the wake of the election Paul Martin, for his own reasons, has stepped down as the leader of the liberal party of Canada (LPC). This has created a void at the head of this party.
Now we all remember when Jean Cretien had been in power for 10ish years, there was some pretty intense power struggles within the ranks of some of the potential sucessors. There was Paul Martin (obviously), John Manly, Brian Tobbin, Frank McKenna, and others.
When Paul Martin announced that he would step down, the media began their coverage of these same men, who they naturally assumed would be the contenders for the open position. However....
First there was Frank. He step down as the ambassador to the USA shortly after Martin's announcement. Here comes the new leader of the LPC. Oh wait, suddenly he feels he has served in the public eye long enough. 16 years is a long time, true.
Then I read in the paper, Manly was out. Oh. Things are looking good for old Tobby. I turn the page and there it is; Brian Tobbin announces he will not run for the leadership of the LPC.
Wait a minute! What happened to all these go getters, these potential leaders, prime ministers even?
My conclusion, I don't think that anyone feels very keen on getting the captains hat when there is a huge hole, and the boat is half sunk. I think that this era of liberals is really coming to a close. Some may say "it's about time". I wonder who will take up the challenge to rebuild this party. Who will lead the scattered flock so that there is an official opposition? I guess we'll find out soon enough. One thing I'm pretty sure of is that Stephen Harper isn't shedding any tears over the situation as he tries to settle into his new position.
But let's not gloat over the fallen giant. The liberals still have a role to play in Canadian politics. No democracy will work if there is only one strong party. The liberals themselves showed us that.
posted by Ben Peterson @ 10:12 AM
1 comments
1 Comments:
Yes, it seems like it is an easy thing to lead when you think that there is no opposition to hinder you. It takes a lot more thot and care to lead when there is a strong check and balance in place.
Personally, I hope that the Liberal Party, and the country as a whole, will take this time to reflect on it's attitudes and perceptions of what good governing is.
In it's fear of someone else's idea of morality, the LPC made some sad moves and statements toward immorality. Governing has to do with morality...how we value and live life in context with our neighbors and before God. In that sense all of our law making has to do with morality. Morality is not just about sexual context. And whether people like it or not, or realize it or not, we will have to give an account of our lives before God someday.
My hope and prayer is that our politicians will govern in the fear of the Lord and not bend under the fear of loud-voiced immoral minorities. I know it is important to protect those with a small voice and who can be easily oppressed, But we need to keep God's moral plumbline in front of us as a nation or we will completely lose our way.
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