What's in a Name

"What's in a name, a Liberal by any other name is still a ............". Watching the heart of the Liberal body politique slowly de-construct is awsome. As in full of awe, because, depending how the Canadian public responds we might finally see an end to what is and has been an anomoly in the political world. A long time ago when Canada was young there were the Grits and the Rouges. They were republicans trying to fit into a parliamentary system. At best it was an awkward arrangement. The republican ideals already adjusted to an influx of Toryism from across the border, was further distorted by parliamentary democracy. So they became Liberals it was a convenience, but in reality they were a strange mix. The Liberal party has always been a fantasy.
People looked at the Liberal party and saw what they wanted, they had, as it were, selective vision. The party developed an incoherancy as they strove to get and keep political power. At best the Liberals had a strong streak of populism. When this combined with a leader like Laurier or Trudeau they were unbeatable at the polls. But charisma was their strength. Neither had an agenda other than to manage day to day. And so we arrive at the Gomery Inquiry which is telling a story of what happens when a political party of no fixed ideals attracts people of no principles who use the government to pillage the national treasury.