Apolitical Staples

Well at the least the Globe and Mail review is.

...Critics say that Canada has departed from its peacekeeping tradition, taking on a warlike role and serving as an errand boy in Washington's war on terror. In fact, the mission is right in line with what Mr. Harper calls our "core values" as a society. Defending freedom and democracy, showing global leadership, aiding the needy -- when Canada is at its best, this is what it does in the world.

"I don't think there's a better example in decades of Canada really standing up, going to the front line and articulating our values -- not just our opposition to terror, our advancement of democracy, but basic humanitarian values," Mr. Harper told reporters on his way to Afghanistan. "This is just a tremendous mission where we're showing leadership, and leadership that is taking on danger and advancing the kind of things that go to the heart of what Canada is all about as a country."

That needed to be said. The Prime Minister said it well.

But I sense that this glowing sentiment will not last very long.

...after years of wilful neglect of the military from the highest level of government on down, Mr. Harper's decision to devote his first international trip as prime minister to showing solidarity with our troops was an enormously powerful statement.

So, too, were the words Mr. Harper delivered while visiting the base. Recent opposition at home called for strong reassurances to our soldiers that the country is behind them, and Mr. Harper delivered that, pointedly noting that "you can't be a leader from the bleachers" and proclaiming that "cutting and running is not my way and it's not the Canadian way."

Mr. Harper has had a tumultuous first five weeks in office. But the image that will linger of his early prime ministership will be his arrival in Afghanistan. It has been a while since we've had a PM we could truly be proud of -- one who makes us believe in ourselves and our country. The wait may be over.