And Now Another Installment

Of, What Caplan Said.

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Where Progressives And Libertarians Can Agree

Gerald Caplan in the Globe yesterday:

I confess that I fear women-hating extremists of every sort, not least those that play prominent roles in all the world’s religions (including the Harper government in its increasing genuflection to ultra-conservative Christianity). Frankly, I am repelled by the sight of a nun in full costume, an ultra-orthodox Jew in his bizarre uniform, or a Muslim woman imprisoned (in my judgment) in her niqab or burqa. But I also understand that none of them are any of my business, so long as they are not hurting others – the ultimate liberal test. When religious radicals do harm, as they so frequently and grievously do, they must be opposed with all the strength democracy allows. But many do no harm except to our different sensibilities. They just want to live their chosen life, however much others dislike it. Not only can’t their rights be trampled on. Progressives must fight, as always, even to uphold rights we find distasteful. (emphasis mine)

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What Caplan Said

In today's column:

Something is terribly wrong. So many Canadians want to see courageous, principled progressive leadership both on specific issues and the overall direction of the country, and yet they're obviously not finding it in the NDP. New Democrats are hardly unaware of this great blown opportunity.

The country is deeply weary of political game-playing and deeply sour about its politicians. Who can blame them? It's as if we're all waiting for something new and special, for our own Obama. But as the real thing drowns in the lethal political swamps of Washington, no one remotely of his calibre appears on the Canadian horizon.

If waiting on our own Obama is our only hope (especially given how shitty the real one is), we are totally fucked.

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Simple Answers To Simple Questions

Gerald Caplan writes:

The Conservatives' blatant wooing of Canadian Jews doesn't add up. What do they want from such a tiny, privileged group anyway?

Prime Minister Harper wants to win the Electoral College votes in New York and Florida. Simple.

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