'wedge' politics

I think I now know why I am uncomfortable with the current federal Conservative government. They seem masters at finding ways to set one group of Canadians against another group. Look at several things the past few days alone.

1 Not moving to really deal with allegations of torture of Afghan detaineees

2 Portraying another political party as anti-semitic when all know that is untrue

3 The continual refusal to treat Omar Khadr as a child soldier and resisting court decisions to repatriate him

Their actions (through their officials) dealing with the Canadian citizen in Kenya a few months ago and the Canadian citizen in Sudan are more of the same.

It's almost like they think they can build popular support by being 'mean' to people they disagree with.

Controversy Over Conservatives Ten Percenters

Gee how low can a political party go...apparently lower than anything done so far.

I am appalled at latest federal Conservative party portrayal of folks who criticize Israel as being anti-semitic. Since when does criticism of any country make one a "anti" towards the religion or people of the predominant ethnic or religious group in that country.

One can criticize Canada's policies and not be labelled anti-Canadian; one can criticize policies of the Vatican and not be anti-Catholic. One can criticize policies of Iran or Sudan and not be anti-Muslim. BUt if one express an iota of concern about Israel, some of its 'defenders' hurl the anti-semitism charge at the those expressing concern.

I saw all the furore in the media on this yesterday. The furore is justified in my view. No Canadian of any ethnic background should support a party that demonizes opposition. This current governing party appears determined to divide Canadians - it thinks it can gain politically by pitting groups of Canadians against each other.

Canadians we have to stop this at election time whenever that comes.