Canada Deserves Better

Twelve comments to the last post. That's not bad for a small circle on a freezing cold Saturday night.
The one that discounted the rumour came from Ottawa. It claimed to know for sure Mrs. Harper is not living in Chateau Laurier because of walking past the hotel every morning and never seeing the lady.

Several people didn't care as long as the arrangement wasn't  costing tax dollars.

No surprise noted. Considering my reaction, that seemed odd. I think we may take it the rumour had spread farther afield than the Capital. The chances the PMO was not aware of the chatter are remote.

Modern politicians  do tend to showcase families. What action might have been expected from the PMO when the rumour became extant For most people and for some time previous, there's nothing extraordinary about a marriage ending and a new relationship.

In politics it's an occupational hazard.

So, no reason to pretend it hadn't happened and that could be the argument to prove it didn't.
On the other hand, rumours are like wild fire. If it isn't put out it spreads until it  finally it reaches sleepy little hollows like Aurora.

A dignified public statement  one way or t'other was called for.

But that's not the style of this PMO. Last week we learned from a local editorial of a media photographer being handcuffed for shouting a question at the Prime Minister against the rules of engagement laid down by  PMO  POWA!!!!!!!!

That degree of control suggests things the common people are not entitled to know.

I remember a night during the FLQ crisis. Hundreds  of Quebecers were taken into custody.
Prime Minister Trudeau was asked if he was  prepared to proclaim the War Measures Act.
He said without cracking a smile. " Just watch me "

The media made Pierre Elliott Trudeau into something he was not. Then expected to share the giddy romance of it. When he made it clear he did not appreciate their presence in every aspect of his life  the  relationship turned sour.Oh Yes. Dear MeYes . It was a bitter ending.

But I digress .

I think,whether or not the Prime Minister's marriage to Fair Laureen is over is not a matter of national significance. Details are not ours to know.
But rumour is unseemly.
Blowing smoke to deflect attention does the opposite.
Skulking around the country, popping up in unexpected places, handcuffing media and dictating the message inspires neither trust nor confidence.
It generates foreboding.
It is reminiscent of  a  form of government opposite to  democracy; fascism .