Rule #1 In Canadian Politics: Nobody Gives A Damm

Not so much an epiphany, but a resignation. The much respected Susan Delacourt opines on the Afghanistan issue with "why the heck are we putting up with Harper’s silence on this today?". A great question, that sadly requires the new standard answer in Canadian politics- nobody gives a shit. Blunt, but ooohhhh so accurate.

I believe "nobody gives a shit" has become the template, the premise which underlies almost all of this government’s actions. Harper doesn’t take questions from the press, at least not in any meaningful way. Does Harper suffer because of this disposition? The answer a resounding no, primarily because you don’t suffer consequences when your audience is both disengaged, as well as entirely absent. We don’t have national conversations anymore. The fact that something so fundamental as "war" so easily manipulated, illustrates just how much the "nobody gives a shit" thesis has taken hold. All understandings must incorporate this inherent truth to fully appreciate the situation.

I have to give this government begrudging credit, they have accurately exploited the mood of the country. The rampant apathy, the knowledge that the pundits don’t matter, the shows, the digestion, the debate, all an esoteric exercise. With each successive "escape", further reinforcement of the shrewd Conservation revelation. We don’t "give a shit", which translates to almost dangerous impunity. Shut down committee’s, chill the civil service, ignore issues of accountability, etc, obstruct, confuse, dismantle, with little real worry of consequence. 

Wondering why a certain issue isn’t costing Harper in the polls? Nobody gives a shit. Can’t understand how Harper gets away with manipulating the media? Nobody gives a shit. Wonder how the Conservatives can destroy our international reputation? Nobody gives a shit. You get the point, but the key consideration, when we tackle the next "issue", remember that the Conservatives operate with this intimate knowledge and masterfully use it govern this country in whatever fashion they see fit. "Nobody gives a shit" is Rule #1 in understanding Canadian Politics.

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