Thoughts on BC Politics and More

As separatism burbles in two provinces, it's worth remembering how federalism in this country should, and should not, work. The common good is a universal goal that cannot be realized universally. At best, that good can only ever express itself locally, among a specific people, in a specific time, and a specific place, and through social bonds among groups of people. Aristotle called this kind of social connection, which he believed was a precondition for a healthy social order, a “civil friendship.” “Civil friendship” exists on a spectrum of social ties somewhere between the personal bonds of a family and the transactional bonds of a commercial enterprise — but closer to the family than to the corporation. A man might willingly die for his family or his country, but only a fool would die for corporation. Let’s start there, with a discussion of Canadian federalism ... CLICK HERE for the full story

We have long-established and well-founded rules of conduct for those elected to public office, and, in the past, there has been a strict adherence to following them with severe consequences for those who break them.   That no longer applies today. Deals are cut for personal gain, blatant lies are told, and fake videos are presented as evidence. When reported, the news is greeted with a roll of the eyes or with a wink and nod of the head.   The MAGA doctrine is contemptuous of the law, written rules, and established past practice. It is attacking democratic institutions like an infestation of carpenter ants gnawing away at the framework of democratic governance. If left unattended, they will bring down the whole structure.   The spectacle in the United States should keep Canadians alert to the reality that this movement, their policies, and practices are spreading and alive within the Canadian political framework.   When Mark Carney was sworn in as Canada’s 24th Prime...