The Guardian, one of the most respected newspapers in the world, published this Editorial recently. In it, they reflect on the idea that Stephen Harper might lose this election and suggests that Canada might return to it's storied place in the world politic.
As Canadians, when we are lucky enough to see ourselves from the "outside" (like this article), more often than not, that vision is the American narrative, which is usually self serving and not particularly objective. What do they know about us? What do they know about the world? As I read this article, I am surprised, no, stunned, that the rest of the world still sees us as we used to see ourselves.
There was a time, at least when I was growing up under the Pearson/Trudeau eras, when we were seen as peace makers and mediators. Our weapons weren't missiles, they were words of peace and the collateral damage was reasoned compromise. Somehow, we lost our way.
I'm inspired today to read that there is still hope. When Lester Pearson, a most humble and quiet Prime Minister, spoke on the world stage all those years ago after the Second World War, the planet needed his balanced words. If there ever was a time to tone down the war rhetoric, it's now.
What will prevail in this election? Peace and love or hatred and fear? Those are the only campaign issues that speak to me.