One nation, two nation, red nation, blue nation

If it was only about language, Newfoundland (or is it Newfoundland?)would be a nation too.

So, Gilles Duccepeticon (BQ - Laurier) plants a question about Quebec’s status as a nation, and Stephen Harper falls for it hook line and sinker. He says “it really is a semantic debate.” Interestingly, today is officially “multiculturalism day.” I suspect that word will change soon- sounds too much like muslim.

While true (and most of my friends and colleagues are in agreement), it has always been my understanding of politics that when in Rome, you don’t call the Romans Turks.

An interesting analogy is the number of presidential aspirants who have made the “ethanol” pledge in Iowa during the caucuses. In 30 years, over 200 prominent legislators, governors and Cabinet secretaries have made the pledge knowing how silly it was. But, you want those Hawkeyes to vote for you, don't cha.

The same is true in Quebec, who interestingly have the same national colours as Israel. Surrounded by those who are hostile to it and always working to protect its way of life. Jews flee Quebec for Toronto, and cheer for the Maple Leafs...coincidence?

Seriously, why would Harper say what he thinks? Why wouldn’t he just cave and avoid the tempest in the teapot that compact theory has created in modern Canada. Others lament that the R.O.C (Rest of Canada) and multiculturalism of its diverse peoples have evolved beyond the compact theory of Canada.

I believe we have a compact theory, but not the same one that existed prior to confederation. I think Canadians are either a) inwardly focused on their communities or b) externally focused on larger international ideals. I barely care what happens in Vanier, let alone South America

That isn’t to say that externally focused folks don’t care about their communities, or vice-versa, but the first concern is what happens at home, or away, as the case may be. It is my belief that the further you get away from a Starbucks, the more likely you are to be focused on your community. And, coincidentally, the more likely you are as a community to vote Conservative. I am still working on what I call the "latté factor" and the findings are interesting to say the least.

As for Quebec, its political culture is like my cousin’s hair- it completely changes every once and awhile and is in no way consistent or predictable based on previous trends/styles. Who knows how many will say “Franchement, le tête carré a raison. Vive le market libre” and abandon the old axiom of “Je me sovereign.”