Dryden Hits Right Note

One thing I have noticed about Ken Dryden, for all his faults as an orator, the guy expresses his views on paper with clarity. On Canada's role in the world, Dryden understands nuance:

The individual actions of the Conservative government are troubling; collectively they are disturbing. The sudden extension, without real debate, of our mission in Afghanistan; the softwood lumber deal; Prime Minister Stephen Harper's governing style; the rhetoric; "God Bless (delete "America," insert Canada" — ugh!) at the end of some of Harper's speeches; and (double ugh!) "Steve." There is an attitude and an approach on display here that, as a Canadian, makes my stomach turn. But, more than that, it gets in the way of Canada playing a role in the world that is critical and that no one can play better. And it keeps the U.S. from hearing the voice that's missing.

Dryden accurately defines Canada's role, in that our close relationship with the U.S gives us the opportunity to push the "elephant", not mimic its rhetoric. Canada is viable when it suggests other paths, as opposed to standing in the shadow. Dryden doesn't embrace America bashing, but nor does he argue we should operate in lockstep. I found this statement interesting:

We can help. In international conferences I've attended, I've been surprised at how important Canada was in explaining the rest of the world to the U.S., and the U.S. to the rest of the world. Seen by other nations and by the U.S. as most like them, others often hear through us what had been said before and not heard. But we can't help if we play a mini-U.S., Mini-Me role.

Translation, Canada has the credibility to explain the American perspective, without it appearing overtly partisan. This reality affords Canada a unique role in bridging gaps when there are different views. The perception that Canada formulates policy, independent of the American view, is essential if we hope to influence the agenda. I think Dryden expresses a concern that Canada will be largely dismissed, if it appears that our policy direction is largely influenced by Washington.