I know I said I would lay off Al Hogan over at the T&T but I just couldn’t resist discussing today’s ‘We Say’. Here it is:
We say: N.B. has an uncanny ability to produce national quality leaders
Thinking of our premiers since the 1960s there are a surprising number of similarities. Each has had an abiding love for his province; each has taken power at a relatively young age and promoted a unique vision for the future; each has displayed a strong personal approach reflecting their own personalities; none could be called “bland”; all have evoked strong and passionate feelings among the public (pro and anti); each has managed to earn the respect of most citizens, if not always their votes; and each has left a strong legacy and foundation for their successors. They have also all been conciliators and men who understand both linguistic groups sharing the province; builders of bridges.
Al has an uncanny way of of living in a phantasy world. Let’s deconstruct his commentary, shall we?
Comment:
N.B. has an uncanny ability to produce national quality leaders.
Rebuttal:
When was the last time there was a Prime Minister from New Brunswick? You guessed it.
When was the last time there was a ‘powerful’ Federal minister from New Brunswick? You can debate Doug Young but hmmmm.
Comment:
Each [Premier since the 1960s] has taken power at a relatively young age and promoted a unique vision for the future;
Rebuttal:
Newsflash, Al. Electing young Premiers has been part of the problem. These kids have had a hard time making decisions and showing leadership and we have paid the price. For our next Premier, give me a seasoned veteran with 25 years of leadership experience, please.
And as for a unique vision, what vision? Among the worst economies in North America; among the highest rates of out-migration; population decline; among the lowest rates of education and literacy in Canada; and most importantly, under these ‘visionaries’ we have become solely and completely dependant on Equalization and EI.
Comment:
Each has left a strong legacy and foundation for their successors.
Rebuttal:
Huh?
Conclusion:
This kind of self-serving, soft ball journalism that offers absolutely no challenge to our politicians to show any kind of leadership is just plain silly. If Al wants some real leadership out of New Brunswick, he should look for tangible results and not just platitudes. When our population starts growing again, strongly, let’s give a cheer. When our rural communities start to hope again, let’s give a cheer. When we rise from last to maybe 5th or 6th in Canada for education performance, let’s give a cheer. When we stop the endless flow of our best and brightest leaving the province, let’s give a cheer.
But until then, let’s make at least some attempt to challenge our leadership and not continually smooch their backsides.