Quebec’s sovereignty soliloquists believe they have a free hand to sell separatism to their captive audience. Quebec Premier Pauline Marois bragged to the media recently that her Parti Québécois are planning a campaign for sovereignty without a referendum in sight. It is like an uncomfortable rash on our country’s backside and we will have to pony up the money for some anti-sovereignist salve. Most Canadians are weary of this separation crap and she might just be counting on the backlash.
But Canada has more important problems. And Marois is kidding herself if she thinks any campaign will influence Prime Minister Harper’s attitude towards Quebec. He figures he owes nothing to Quebec and being loved there is not high on his bucket list. There is little to be gained from him in the time he has left in the big-boy chair.
Marois’ bigger problem is the two federal party leaders from Quebec. New Democrat Leader Thomas Mulcair and Liberal Leader Justin Trudeau are part of the reality with which the Parti Québécois has to deal. How do you sell Quebecers that they are inferior to the rest of Canada when two of their own are vying for the top job in the country? The myth that Pierre Trudeau betrayed them is ancient lore and does not tarnish the son.
And what is Pauline Marois selling? In a world where people strive to learn to work together, what is the point of separatism? What does anyone in Quebec gain if they did get rid of the blockheads from the rest of Canada? At least the Canadian blockheads cared. Try all that shit on American blockheads and Quebecers will really learn about discrimination. It is bad enough in the areas of Florida where Quebecers like to congregate in winter.
The only people who have anything to gain from separation from Canada are Quebec’s notables—the bilingual intelligentsia and industrialists who could then become bigger fish in the smaller pond. The only barrier to Quebecers being abused and used by their own notables is that the rest of Canada cares.
What Pauline Marois does not understand in her separatism efforts and in discriminatory sallies such as her silly charter of values is that Canada is considered to be one of the most tolerant and friendliest countries in the world. She is harming our reputation.
-30-
Copyright 2013 © Peter Lowry
Complaints, comments, criticisms and compliments can be sent to [email protected]