"Strong, Clear Direction": Harper's Simplistic Approach

The Tories are lauding Harper's governing philosophy, as evidence of a "strong, clear direction", predicated on decisive leadership. Contrasted with the wishy washy opposition, our Prime Minister has shown an ability to operate with clarity and purpose. In the minds of supporters, Harper "unequivocal" positions belie strength of character. In my mind, Harper's "firmness" is actually quite similar to the disastrous, simplistic Bush approach. Leadership in a complex world demands a realization that issues don't fit into neat black and white boxes, but are always different shades of gray. What some see as an asset, I see as an outdated, dangerous view of the world.

Rigid and stubborn, the Harper view of the world doesn't demand amendment or re-examination. This is our position, we will not be deterred, no matter the changing conditions or new evidence. Completely devoid of the idea of nuance, and by extension the merits of diplomacy, we operate with simple logic. We support Israel, period. We will stay in Afghanistan, case closed. Other parties can debate the various pros and cons, but this "soul searching" is merely an extension of their weakness. Case in point, the Liberals "division" over Afghanistan. Instead of viewing the debate as a healthy exchange of ideas, surrounding a complex issue, any sense of dissent clearly translates to weakness. On Israel, if you give any merit to the historical injustices, express outrage over the carnage, you are supporting terrorism and weaken our resolve.

Principled stands are wonderful, but positions aren't tidy affairs and demand some balance. The greatest legacy of the Bush administration will be the way in which its monolithic foreign policies have alienated large portions of the world, as they move with single-minded focus. You are with us or against us, which sounds wonderful but has no relation to the real world complexities. Harper adopts the philosophy, overtly taking sides and failing to acknowledge different points of view. In the end, this rigid view has the tendency to actually strengthen the forces you want to weaken. There is an emerging consensus that, when the dust settles, Hezbollah will actually emerge stronger as a result of this horrific violence. The black and white world can't acknowledge this changing reality, it merely sticks to the outdated line of "right to defend", while the situation actually worsens.

One man's "wishy washy", is another man's careful consideration. One man's "decisiveness", is another man's blind stubbornness. Tories can champion Harper's stances as true leadership, but I don't think it accurately reflects the complexities and reveals a simplistic view of the world. Tunnel vision isn't leadership, it's dangerous.