In the shadow of Flaherty’s funeral

By Montreal Simon

Well I knew what he was going to do from the moment he announced that Jim Flaherty would have a state funeral, for no good reason.

And then let it be known that he had PERSONALLY written the eulogy he would deliver.

And sure enough he did turn that solemn occasion into yet another giant photo-op for the glorification of HIMSELF.

The relationship between a Prime Minister and his Finance Minister is always a special one. But this, I can tell you, was more special than most.

A last desperate attempt to make himself look more human. At a time when he has never been less popular.

Another crass attempt to sell his Porky Action Plan . . .

While, at one time, Canada was no better than middle of the pack, today in an uncertain world, Canada will have a balanced budget years ahead of others, with low debt and low taxes, and is recognized to be the best managed major developed economy.

It couldn’t have been more obvious or more grotesque.

Especially since Flaherty and he parted company acrimoniously after Jimbo had the nerve to publicly criticize the Cons’ flawed income splitting plan.

And as I’ve pointed out before, his legacy was nothing to celebrate.

Although you wouldn’t know that from the gushing coverage of the MSM, who would make us believe that little Jimbo was a giant. Instead of Stephen Harper’s shrunken ideological twin.

Despite our very different educational backgrounds and life experiences, Jim and I were philosophically in sync on just about everything.

But to appreciate the true irony, or horror of the situation, you had to see Evan Solomon running around in the street outside, trying to sop up glowing tributes like Jimbo had just been canonized, from anyone who might offer one.

And I mean ANYONE . . .

Even though Jimbo hated Jason Kenney and almost came to blows with him a few months ago in the House of Commons.

And even though the CBC is knee deep in its own blood thanks to Flaherty’s brutal cuts.

But what I thought was most ironic was that the church where the service took place is right next to the park where Occupy Toronto once pitched its tents . . .

A park that is always full of homeless people, whom Flaherty once threatened to jail.

And was once full of young people whom I can never forget, and he betrayed so miserably.

A government bent on lowering the living standard of Canada’s next generation couldn’t do a much better job than Stephen Harper and his colleagues have done.

Because he and his evil twin were more interested in creating jobs for foreign workers.

Some minister, some government, some LEGACY.

But then of course Harper is desperate to try to remake his image, to make himself look more human. Especially after this scary story.

The Prime Minister’s Office is emphatically denying a former adviser’s allegation that Stephen Harper is subject to bouts of depression that leave him incapable of making decisions.

Which must surely make people wonder whether today’s performance is just another sign that he is cracking up . . .

And what I do know is this, that kid was right. We ARE the change. We’ve got to change that foul Con regime and its depraved leader before they lead us to economic and social disaster.

And I also know that long after Harper’s ghastly legacy and his porky plans are taken to the abattoir of history.

I’ll remember the people who lived and dreamed in that park.

Their legacy lives on in my heart and my struggle . . .