When Stephen Harper showed up in Calgary to survey the flooding last Friday, it was abundantly clear that he was treating things as a photo-op, not as a matter of state.
First of all, he shows up wearing what appears to be a jacket that is part of a military uniform. Nothing could be a more obvious propaganda play.
In my opinion, this is inappropriate on several levels. First, Harper is an elected official - a politician. He does not hold, and to the best of my knowledge, has never held status in Canada's military as either an officer or an enlisted man.
Second, he is Canada's Prime Minister. As such he is not the titular head of state, nor does he hold the title of "Commander in Chief" as his presidential counterpart in the US does.
In short, Harper has no place wearing a military uniform - partial or otherwise. It is obviously a propaganda move on his part, and one that disrespects those who wear the uniform professionally.
Unlike Mayor Nenshi, who has been working tirelessly during this crisis, Harper gave the impression of a schoolboy who takes delight in seeing the devastation and doesn't understand that people are being directly affected by this.
I will give Harper credit for dispatching the military to Alberta to help with the cleanup. It was needed - perhaps more so in High River and other communities than in Calgary - and warranted. I am disappointed that Harper chose to try turning this into another photo-op.
First of all, he shows up wearing what appears to be a jacket that is part of a military uniform. Nothing could be a more obvious propaganda play.
Second, he is Canada's Prime Minister. As such he is not the titular head of state, nor does he hold the title of "Commander in Chief" as his presidential counterpart in the US does.
In short, Harper has no place wearing a military uniform - partial or otherwise. It is obviously a propaganda move on his part, and one that disrespects those who wear the uniform professionally.
Unlike Mayor Nenshi, who has been working tirelessly during this crisis, Harper gave the impression of a schoolboy who takes delight in seeing the devastation and doesn't understand that people are being directly affected by this.
I will give Harper credit for dispatching the military to Alberta to help with the cleanup. It was needed - perhaps more so in High River and other communities than in Calgary - and warranted. I am disappointed that Harper chose to try turning this into another photo-op.
1 comment:
Canadian Criminal Code, section 419:
" Every one who without lawful authority, the proof of which lies on him,
(a) wears a uniform of the Canadian Forces or any other naval, army or air force or a uniform that is so similar to the uniform of any of those forces that it is likely to be mistaken therefor,...
...is guilty of an offence punishable on summary conviction."
Of course, in Harper's Canada some animals are more equal than others.
--
Jessica
Post a Comment