Re-born Harper hard to pin down
The Daily News (Prince Rupert)
September 24, 2008
Opinion & Letters By: Walter Belsito

To the editor,

Who was that masked man?

A soft voice with a slight of hand, a cloud of bluster, and a hearty 'Hi-yo, vote, my way!' Atop his white steed, Stephen Harper has trotted through most Canadian living rooms, dropping behind the image of a warm, a gentle and a considerate man. But alas, who truly lies behind the lone ranger mask?

Is he the protector of young children? The PM failed miserably on his promise to create 125,000 desperately needed, quality and affordable child care spaces. His taxable $100/month stipend for children under six is a bad joke for most families. What happened to six and older? What happened to an equal playing field for all children, regardless of financial ability and/or daycare availability?

Is he a supporter of women's rights or a throwback to the pre-suffragette movement, i.e. stay home where you belong and take care of your husband and the children. Within his first year in office, Harper announced the closing of 12/16 regional Status of Women offices. The PM must have perceived their objectives as a threat -- the advancement of women's human rights and economic equality and the elimination of violence against women. His then Heritage Minister Oda criticized the group for showing "a lot of advocacy". Scary.

… Is he a protector of minority rights, an essential plank in a democratic society?

Harper axed the Court Challenges Programme, established in 1972 by Pierre Trudeau to help those without the financial means to challenge the government when its decisions impacted their guaranteed rights under the Charter of Rights and Freedoms.

Was this action simply his usual Trudeau-envy or was it his absolute disdain of being told what to do?

When the PM next rides in, dressed in a fuzzy sweater and sporting a broad grin, look beyond the presentation. Check out his performance as the minority government leader, then decide whether or not you're willing to give him free rein with a majority.