Hey Justin Trudeau. How’s it going? Listen, my friend. I’ve had a thought, and I’d like to run it past you, if you’ve got a minute.
We all know Harper isn’t anywhere near finished with his plan to remake Canada in the image of the American right, and at some point if he and his Neo-Con (emphasize con), democracy-undercutting, environment-ignoring, social safety net-weakening, CBC-muzzling, workers’ rights-busting, culture-changing, lying extremist trickle-down minions stay in office, we’re not going to recognize this country anymore. We badly need to kiss those sons goodbye, and there’s no time to waste.
I know you know that a lot of good people think it’d be just fine if we could unite the left, given that it’s consistently supported by almost two third of voters. Sure, there are problems with that, but they’re about tradition and personal and party ambitions, aren’t they? Not about essential political philosophy.
A united left is the one thing Harper fears most, and it makes perfect tactical sense to bring it about, and the sooner the better. I mean, let’s face it: the Liberals are in the tank, likely to stay there for a while, possibly a long, long while, the lines have been drawn, it’s hardball time now, there’s an awful lot at stake, and the left is divided and the right isn’t. It’s not like nothing else is changing.
So, OK. Here’s my thought. You cross the floor to the NDP. I know, I know, it sounds crazy, and goes against every Liberal survivalist instinct, and you might think it would betray your great father’s vision, or legacy, or something.
But would it, really? Maybe it would fulfil it. You’re the one real high-profile rising star the Liberals have, these days. The NDP have to become the locus of the left just now, and although that could turn around, we can’t be waiting for that to happen just to elect a Liberal government.
If you were to cross the floor, you’d inspire other people to do the same, and maybe we could avoid having to form an official coalition or run join candidates, with all the attendant complications. You could be a hero.
Tom Mulcair, excellent man that he is, won’t be leader forever, and you, younger, hero, with more experience under your belt, instead of leading a party in perpetual opposition, could the The Man for a long time after him. Think about it. Let’s do lunch sometime.
R. Beauchamp
Greater Sudbury
