Political posturing seems an anemic term to associate with the maniacal purposes and practices of the thing called ISIS, yet these deranged killers understand the process very well. Political posturing, in other terms, has been with the world, and over all of the world, since far into the past. It will continue to afflict humankind until all world leaders accept that the ideal of a peaceful, prosperous, healthy and justly governed planet cannot be attained by violence and perfidy.
History is not studied in Canada as it once was. Too many people live entirely in the present. Factual history, if it can be discovered, is a guide to the future. History, as presented in the process of political posturing, is distorted and adulterated. We have an example in the television short features, paid for by Canadian taxpayers, which present the story of the bravery of Canadians in resisting an American invasion during the War of 1812. In opposition to the American invaders were the Shawnee chief Tecumseh and his tribal confederacy, Canadian militia and a barely sufficient number of British regulars. Tecumseh, considered to be a hero by some of his Canadian and British comrades, is seen to be an even greater hero now. Nevertheless, his treatment by British and Canadian allies was scarcely more cordial than the hostility of Americans.
British regular troops were in short supply because Britain’s resources were stretched to the limit in the final war with Napoleon Bonaparte. Had Napoleon won, French would probably be the dominant language in Canada now as well as the language of business internationally.
Britain was desperate. War with United States erupted because of the British naval blockade which prevented American goods from reaching France and because American sailors were being impressed into the undermanned Royal Navy.
The United States of America chose to institute the French model of government, the Constitutional system. In the Declaration of Independence, the inalienable rights of American citizens are identified as “life, liberty and the pursuit of happiness.” In 1867, the British North America Act promised Canadians “peace, order and good government.” There is a difference in attitude. Individualism coloured American politics; Canada was blandly communal.
Thinking Canadians see American politics as kind of a mad house. It could hardly be different when one considers the power groups American candidates must court in order win elections. For example American fundamentalist Protestants are not in decline as they are in Canada and Europe. They are uncompromising in their beliefs and in their uncritical support of Israel. When the Prime Minister of Israel accepts an invitation which should never have been issued to address the American Congress, he is guilty of political posturing. The visit is calculated to help at the polls in Israel’s impending national election.
The contretemps will not damage relations between the two countries. Americans will continue to contribute over $3 billion a year toward the maintenance of Israel’s military capability. The Prime Minister of Canada is also a supporter of Israel. He does it with strong words and probably nothing more. If the Canadian government is supplying Israel with any feeble Canadian loonies, Canadians don’t know about it.
Taxpayers’ money has swelled the taxpayers’ pride in Canada’s contribution to victory in two world wars and in the less than victorious campaigns which have taken place since 1945. This becomes political posturing when we realize Canadian military forces are under-funded and under-equipped and that Canadians in uniform have been sent into harm’s way in aging fighter aircraft that still seem years away from being replaced. Even worse, when veterans return, they do not receive the care and concern they deserve.
Fifty years ago, Canada enjoyed an admirable reputation on the international stage. Canada was seen as worthy of trust, as a country with no territorial demands, as a haven for refugees. A prime minister of Canada invented United Nations peacekeeping and Canadian forces, well equipped and capable, provided peacekeepers. People from other countries understood Canada was a bastion of democracy, that it was willing to spend public funds on preserving its distinctive heritage and culture, that it was concerned with environmental protection and that it was eliminating archaic excesses in its justice system. These elements of Canada’s virtue in the community of nations have been heavily eroded.
Canadians need to see political posturing eliminated in Ottawa, on both sides of the House. We need a new Magna Carta to restore the relevance, authority and accountability of Parliament. If this does not happen, the Canadian system of government will be dangerously damaged. Ottawa will become a worse mad house than Washington.
