The Federal Conservatives have been pushing out some superficial moves to bring Canada back to it’s traditional roots. Renaming the military was one of those moves. Putting the “Royal” back into our troops, to stir up traditionalistic pride and garner cheap political points with the oldies/traditionalists. Now our Feds want to see a picture of the Queen in each embassy to show what Canada is really all about. Technically, this is a regressive move and an unnecessary move, but more than that: it’s a symbolic move. It means nothing. It has no real ramifications. It’s a distraction at best.
Distraction from what? Well, maybe suspiciously getting closer and closer to the United States interests. Not maybe… because we are. There seems to be more practical and real issues in embracing and supporting the States economic and political wants compared to symbolically masturbating and idealizing our past.
Let’s review a few recent Canadian-US deals.
The Canadian-US border deal. This may be a less pernicious agreement than others, but there’s still not enough information being released about it. It’s leaving Canadians in the dark about the details, which can imply a few negatives things. Apparently there will be information sharing, but what information? How much? Are there limits?
Attempted Copright Reform in Canada. This is where the back-room deal rhetoric from the opposition came from, because it was another even that Canadians mostly remained ignorant on. Thanks to wikileaks, we now have solid evidence that America was largely pushing this reform though. And Harper was more than willing to go along with what America – our best friend – wants.
This reform – in particular – would favour big business of Canada and big business of American; it’s really not a guessing game why the Conservatives were so fastidiously eager to get the job done. (I expect a re-attempt within the next 4 years)
Oil Sands to America Pipeline. This pretty much speaks for itself. Giving America even more of the natural resources in our country.
The more our government bends over for America, the less our laws reflect the will of the our people, and the more laws favour the corporate bidding of America and Canada. If money is the main factor in mind for the Conservatives, then the welfare of Canadian certainly isn’t going to be a priority (but we already knew that). Symbolically going back to our roots isn’t a real issue, getting on our knees for American approval is.
