For a relatively unpopular guy at least socially speaking, Mr. Harper it has to be recalled rose to power on a wave of populism. The Reform Party was bring the polis back into politics, govern by referendum and make sure there was a red phone in every house with a direct line into the halls of government. Remember that? That was a long time ago wasn't it.
One of the more constant aspects of populism is always the cheery but persistent slagging of institutions. Whether by chill, snub or outright slur any good populist has to believe whatever special knowledge or skill is out there in the hands of others, well, ain't I as good or better? Remember, populism isn't collective popularity, it's all about me - and the bit of the populists "me" that he or she would have "you" fall in line with. Homogenizers. Standardizers. So it is interesting to read the report this morning about the effect of the populists against the diplomats in the case of Mr. Colvin:
Twenty-three former ambassadors are speaking out against the Conservative government's attacks on the credibility of diplomat Richard Colvin, saying Ottawa's response to his Afghan detainee abuse testimony threatens to cast a chill over Canada's foreign service. The ex-heads of Canadian diplomatic missions say in a letter released to the media that they're worried the treatment of Mr. Colvin will discourage diplomats from reporting frankly to Ottawa from their foreign postings. Retired ambassadors rarely speak as a group on government issues - and there was extensive debate about whether they should this time.
That last point is interesting. A debate about the exercise of modesty and discretion. As populist overlords have by times slagged the GG, the judiciary, the news media, the military, the premiers and now the diplomats they are met with degrees of modesty based in part by actual modesty as well as a bit of confusion as to the scope of the Federal political realm. In a system structured on delegation and limits of power, does anyone have ultimate control? Should they?
