Tuesday, September 23, 2008

Obligatory election post xx

I missed most of the political hoopla over Chris Reid, the Conservative candidate for Toronto-Centre (my home riding) over the weekend. Apparently, Reid was blogging allegedly intemperate and conservatively (party) embarrassing things like this:
"A man with a knife was able to go on a murderous rampage decapitating a fellow human being. The rest of the bus was unarmed and helpless. What was the generous Canadian thing to do? Help a fellow human being? No. Flee in terror. Passengers and the bus driver stood by and watched another person being butchered, and couldn't muster up any courage or self sacrifice to intervene. This is where socialism as gotten us folks, a castrated effeminate population. This is a perfect example of why we need concealed-carry handgun legislation in this country, so we can defend one another and deter horrible events such as this. But what are our politicians talking about? More government regulation and security."

Then, there was this:
"Allow law abiding citizens who are qualified and trained to carry concealed handguns for personal protection. It's the only proven way to reduce violent crime and murder. If women and gays really wanted to stop being victims of hate crimes, they'd be in support of this, but judging from discussions, they'd rather be helpless and rely on government."


The fundamental difference between Reid and myself is this. I will not condemn the bus passengers or driver for their first response/actions as I believe it is the logical consequences - given most Canadians have been so intellectually disarmed of any notion of self-defense or concept of self-sacrifice so they are no longer capable of acting without a commission or petty bureaucrat directing. When you consign your safety and security to the government - you effectively become a bystander in your own fate.

While I really did not credit Chris Reid’s chances any better than dismal against Bob Rae, current Liberal incumbent and former NDP turncoat, every day there just seems more and more reasons to keep my $1.75 in my own pocket.

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