Really, Steve?
Dear Editors,
When Prime Minister Stephen Harper said he would bring the issue of maternal health in developing countries to the table at the G8 summit this spring, I barely took notice.
But Gerald Caplan did.
In a recent special to the Globe and Mail, Caplan attacked Harper’s credibility on the general area of aid to developing countries, citing his funding cuts to non-governmental organizations as undermining the Canadian International Development Agency.
On Tuesday, Liberal Leader Michael Ignatieff told Harper that if he wants to bring “maternal health” to the table in the spring, he’d better bring it all—and that includes abortion.
I thought to myself, “good move.” It forces Harper into an awkward position.
By supporting “family planning” at the G8, Harper risks alienating his party’s base.
If he publicly opposes it, though, he’ll be pushed into another area he doesn’t want to go—appearing less moderate and much more conservative.
It would surely have consequences with the centrist voters that helped him win the last two elections.
But I take issue with the statement of response the Prime Minister’s office issued to Ignatieff.
They said that it was “sad” that Ignatieff was making abortion into a “political football.”
Really, Steve?
If I recall correctly, a football just like this one helped you get elected in 2004.
Let’s see, what was it called?
Oh yes, same-sex marriage. And did you actually do anything about that?
We’re still waiting for that issue to be revitalized, aren’t we?
We’re used to politicians being hypocrites.
Our standard has sunk so low, it’s now a foregone conclusion.
Jordan Ray, ArtSci ’12
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