Let me state right up front that Canada should never do anything to appease an Irish musician or two. We do things because they are right. Therefore let us re-examine Paul Martin's speech as he accepted that leadership of the Liberal Party and the Prime Ministership of Canada.
...A world made small and integrated has literally changed the rules of the game. We have to develop new thinking about how the international community governs itself; and how sovereign nations take action together in tackling global issues. We must ensure that the global institutions of the coming decades are suffused with the values Canadians treasure - rule of law, liberty, democracy, equality of opportunity and fairness.
Our foreign policy must always express the concerns of Canadians about the poor and underprivileged of the world; the frightened and helpless victims of battle-torn societies; the sick and vulnerable without adequate health care and education.
This concern is shared by individuals of conscience the world over - like Bono - who have brought a new and welcome urgency to the plight of the people in the developing world.
Because he cares. Because we care.
As Bob Geldof (are we actually required to call him "Sir") points out Canada talks a good game when it comes to Foreign Aid but we fall short of our promises in the delivery. Man...does that sound familiar. Here is how the Prime Minister responded to the challenge put forward by MP Jack Layton.
"I believe in the 0.7. I would very much like to see Canada get there by 2015."
What does "believe in" mean? What it means to people who keep their word is, I said, I am going to do it. What it means to PM Paul Martin is I said it to get votes but don't expect me to do anything about it.
"But I am not going to make a commitment that I am not sure the government will be able to meet...The problem with international public policy is that too often commitments are made on the grounds of photo-ops"
Which is exactly what Paul Martin did in the convention speech referenced above. He trotted out Bono as a campaign prop to show great Paul Martin is and how the world "needs more Canada" - code for vote Liberal. Ah the caveat. Bono did say he would be a pain in the ass if Paul Martin did not live up to his commitments. Looks like Bono has the left cheek covered and
"Sir Bob" is taking up the right flank.
Finally Barrie is the perfect metaphor for actions versus words. While the world gives you London, Paris and Rome (among others) Canada gives you Barrie masquerading as Toronto. Maybe some day will actually live up to our rhetoric. That day will not be July 2nd and if "Sir Bob" has achieved one thing it to show how far we need to come.
