It should come as no surprise to anybody who reads this that every leader we have had since Trudeau has lived in his shadow. Mulroney inked free trade and modernized our economy (in part with the GST) but could never enunciate a vision; he was barely able to define the problem he was trying to solve with the Meech & Charlottetown accords.

Chretien will not be remembered as one of this country’s great leaders: the length of his tenure and force of his majority is, in part, a result of the fissure that manifested itself as the Reform Party movement effectively denying the Progressive Conservatives the opportunity to rebuild effectively. He will not be remembered as a great Prime Minister, but - as his comments at the Gomery enquiry show - his tenaciousness made him an effective one.

Paul Martin is so weak, so lacking in the ability to lead that his story is already being written. A weak, ineffective leader and legislator Mr. Martin’s government lacks a vision of anything, and continues to disappoint. The son has not lived up to the father.

But Trudeau - love him or loathe him - had a vision, a dream, and the ability to create it. As a leader, his shadow is long. As a man, it is great. As a nation builder, the country he built is slipping away and disappearing.

I will not let this happen; they may not be much I can do, but I will do whatever I can.

Canada is my home first, Vancouver second. It will always be this way.

Posted by skooter at 8:08 AM This entry is filed under Politics.