Osama bin Laden is dead, like a doornail. It’s without a doubt. There’s some sense of relief in the air, although what has pupped as a result of the attacks on the World Trade Centre, and the Pentagon, has itself grown monstrous.
Thomas Mulcair has offered some questions on the death of bin Laden. There’s already some misinformation being spread about by both Liberals and Conservatives as to what was said. What he asked, though, and the major question the Liberals and Conservatives seem to be ignoring, is necessary: if bin Laden wasn’t killed in a firefight as originally reported, but was unarmed, doesn’t that become an execution conducted by the US military?
It’s quickly becoming clear how the government will react to Mulcair’s questions.
Mulcair deviated from the ‘script’. The pile on to embarrass him is itself unsightly.
As an aside, I’ve previously insulted and savaged Mulcair over an incident I blamed him for, when Libby Davies was embroiled in a similar situation regarding what was said versus what was reported.
Firstly, my apologies to Mulcair.
Secondly, I praise Mulcair for what he has done, here. He’s provoked a response that can benefit the NDP.
He’s questioned the US military’s claims, which these days isn’t a terrible idea. In fact, it’s good to question everything it claims, since it has no credibility. Not since before the invasion of Iraq has the military apparatus of the United States of America deserved the confidence of its critics. Mulcair can simply brush aside the fallout from this moment if his concerns are unwarranted, because the US military is unlikely to investigate itself. One cannot make a false claim about a matter where the court itself denies any investigation necessary.
Also, whether the Conservatives rush to US’ side to refute Mulcair, or if it sits silent on the matter, the NDP can show the governing party’s desire to cozy up to the US government at any opportunity, whereas the NDP sets itself apart by showing itself to instead be critical, and if necessary antagonistic.
Thirdly, the NDP has just set its ‘tone’ toward our new government. It’s coming out fighting. It’s not really a jab, but a feint that Mulcair has done in the party’s service, but it made the Conservatives react. And that’s the role of an opposition party, to make life difficult for the governing party. The Conservatives simply cannot have an easy time while controlling Ottawa. Press them on every occasion, and wait for an opportunity to knock them down.
