Pessimism

I may not be capable of being an olympic pessimist but I may qualify for the Quebec Major Junior League of Pessimism. Case in point, I can be pessimistic about the value of this post due only to it's not being as timely as it could've been. That aside, today I'm writing about my pessimism with the Conservative Party of Canada that represents our current government. I realize that, to many, that could be a never-ending source of pessimism but I am interested particularly with their announcement directly following the Olympics that they would consider changing the lyrics of Oh Canada, our national anthem.

I, for one, don't believe for a second that there was any government interest in making the lyrics to Oh Canada more gender-neutral. Rather, it was an opportunity to be shrewd politicians.

By stating an intention to do something that they knew would gain minimal public traction, right on the heals of the Olympics they can put on a show of having an interest in gender issues without having to do a thing. The immediate public response (and acquiesing by the government) allow them to then leave the issue with minimal (if any) political fallout.

It frustrates me that the Conservatives have managed to come into power and stay there by learning to play a game (see proroguing parliament) rather than by being true leaders. Of course, I'm not so naive as to think any other party would approach it differently. And therein, lies the pessimism.