Not up to the challenge

Last week, the House of Commons rejected a bid to open up a conversation in Canadian politics on when human life begins. Give some credit to the collective wisdom of the chamber -- it knew what it couldn't do. 

Regardless of where you stand on the abortion issue, there's one main reason to applaud this outcome:  Canadian politics, as it currently  stands, has not proven itself worthy or capable of such a discussion. It's beyond the skill set of the participants. Have a look at some of the headlines this morning, particularly the second one.  

Whether seen as a victim or a terrorist, Omar Khadr is a perpetual political wedge issue

 

 

Speaker urged to stem tide of partisan vitriol in House of Commons

 

 

The Khadr case pits extreme against extreme, with no room in the middle

 

If these headlines don't persuade you, have a look at what happens in the Commons every day, particularly the 15 minutes before Question Period (partisan members' statements) and the 15 or so minutes afterward (complaints about how QP unfolded, in points of order, etc.)  

Then ask yourself: Do you think the Canadian political class could have been trusted to have serious, measured debate on such a massive question as when human life begins?  I think we know the answer to that question. 

 

 

 

Comments

[Darwin O'Connor]

I don't think they are unskilled. They are just acting silly to appeal to the right subset of wedge voters they need to achieve victory.

Doing that requires a lot of skill.

Rob Ford, notwithstanding.