If we do not step forward, then we step back. ⇒
18 February 2005, the wee hours
I am now of the opinion Paul Martin is fucking awesome.
This is a post from my link log: If you click the title of this post you will be taken the web page I am discussing.
I was pretty amazed by his speech.
by martha on February 18 2005, 2:45 am #
a) He has speech writers.
b) He’s a politician working in a democratic nation, and as such, his role is to maintain popularity.
He is merely using the popular subject of gay marriage to gain the approval of those who have otherwise doubted his views and abilities. It’s no coincidence that this issue is being dragged out over top of the sponsorship inquiry that would most definitely defame his character should it take higher precedence in the news.
In this speech he has succeeded in gaining your approval, and as a politican he is certainly moving forward. Whether or not he’s taking the country with him is another matter.
Redefining the union of marriage to include same-sex partnerships can be easily implemented such that the existing rights and freedoms of Canadians are only improved upon. I believe the contraversy surrounding this issue is being perpetuated by this minority government as a means to stay in power. Without this, the inefficiency of this government would have been exposed long ago and a re-election would have been called.
by rishi on February 18 2005, 1:17 pm #
Actually, I’m quite sure this decision is an unpopular one. That said, it’s nice to see Martin take a progressive stance on this matter. He’s been pressured by his church and other people to go the other way on this issue. I think he is fucking awesome because he is doing the right thing. The speech was good, and I’m sure everyone is aware he probably has a team of people working on it, but what is great is that he is the one putting that message out. And I realize there is probably some politicking going on, but he is also working on debt relief and other progressive issues.
by ramanan on February 18 2005, 4:27 pm #
How do you know this decision is unpopular? Have you seen any polls? Anyone I’ve spoken to about this issue doesn’t seem to understand why it’s such a big deal. Even those who don’t agree with homosexuality don’t see a problem with same-sex marriages.
You got spun. =P
by rishi on February 18 2005, 4:31 pm #
Rishi,
I’m not sure who you’ve spoken to, I don’t mean to presume you haven’t gotten a representative sample. But if one were to listen to much of what is being said by politicians and everyday people from out west, as well as from religious leaders and relatively religious people here, this is a hotly contested issue. Not nearly so much as in the states, but anytime you put a divisive issue on the table, one where a faith-based group is forced to choose between agreeing with societal norms or following religious teachings, it’s always a firestorm.
I know that most people I talk to about it are of the same opinion as you (and I agree that this is a clearly obvious choice). But the point is that my circle of people is composed of 20 somethings who have grown up in an era of gay rights and other progressive stances. I don’t tend to many 65 year old catholics, or other more conservative minded people. Perhaps you do, and then this whole point is moot.
Anyways, I’m of the opinion that this, while obviously political, is still a much needed statement. As easy as it was for him to get his speechwriters to get him something pretty and moving to say, it would have been easier still for him to duck his head and try and shadowbox around it for another year or two at least.
by Dinu. on February 18 2005, 5:01 pm #
I think this has far more to do with politics than civil rights. If the west is in fact as religiously right-wing as the media (and Dinu) would suggest, then the redefintion of civil marriage (which includes a legitimate right of refusal by any and all clergy) has no impact on their religious beliefs or communities. This represents a loss of power and influence over the federal government for these groups.
By taking such a strong postion against conservativism, Martin has accomplished two things. To his political adversaries, he is reasserting his domination in a minority government, and to the voting public, he and his team have cleverly found a way to transform his flaky image into one of honour, pride and respect.
by rishi on February 18 2005, 7:53 pm #
Are there any polls about how much support there is for this Canada?
[I’m curious – I know the electorates in many US states made it unconstitional recently, but the news here is just limited to propaganda and “pop” culture, so there is nothing about legitimate political/social debates, yet along those from other countries. :-(]
by Ryan on February 19 2005, 1:12 am #
Here is the only poll I could find on the matter, at the CBC from 2003.
The praie provinces have gone to the conservatives for how many years now? Must be close to a decade now. Klein has been re-elected how many times in Alberta? I don’t think the media is painting the west out to be anything it is not. Also, how you perceive this issue really has nothing to do with how people who oppose it perceive it. While you may be level headed about it, and say they’re not effected by this legislation, I suspect many people who oppose gay marriage legislation do feel the society they live in is under attack.
This speech is impressive because Martin doesn’t mince words. Martin is straight and to the point. He said what needed to be said. It’s actually quite atypical of speeches you hear politicians make nowadays.
Also, the Bloc and the NDP both support this bill. There was never any doubt it would make it through parliament. People were worried too many liberals will vote against it, but even conservative estimates have the bill passing by 20 or so votes if I recall correctly. Martin isn’t proving his political might to anyone with this legislation. It will probably be one of the easier things to get through parliament.
by ramanan on February 19 2005, 5:28 am #
I truly believe all the hoopla has nothing to do with the bill. They’re piggy-backing off it for other purposes. Of course, this may be due to the fact that I don’t read or watch any news, and instead read historical “accounts” of various political events around the world. I’m sure having the media pump me full of info would change my perspective. Deep down inside, I honestly believe most political moves are in the interest of the politicians. In the context of our nation (where they have chosen to make their livelihoods), the question for politicians is not whether a government will exist tomorrow, the question is who will control it.
by rishi on February 19 2005, 11:05 am #
It’s not every day that a Prime Minister has the opportunity to go down in history for making a stand and improving the welfare of Canadians. If this bill is going to pass through parliament with or without his assistance, don’t you think it’s a good career move for Martin to position himself as the people’s champion? The last major thing people were talking so much about that affected his image was the sponsorship scandal, and that made him look like a self-serving capitalist bum. The fact that he is an industrialist with close ties to big business doesn’t help either. This is a perfect opportunity for him to stand tall for the people, regardless of whether his actions are even needed. I actually believe they are purposely making a mountain out of a molehill with the express intent of leveraging Martin’s public image.
Of course, I could also just be cynical.
by rishi on February 19 2005, 12:47 pm #