Farewell Martin

Today is the saddest day in Canadian politics. Today we bid farewell to Paul Martin, who will probably go down as the most underrated Prime Minister in the history of Canadian politics. In my opinion, he was the most capable leader this country has ever produced but whose political power was crippled because of timing and the blunders of the previous dinosaurs of his own party.

Paul Martin has an extensive and commendable record as a politician, but I feel, the people of Canada short changed him today. We punished the Liberals and, in turn, damned his leadership.

In doing so, we lost a leader that could have single handedly united Canada with one common vision even the Bloc Quebecois would be foolish not to consider. We would have had fiscally responsible government, one that has led this country out of its debt dependency. A country whose leader lives by morals and principles that celebrate Canada's established identity and would never lower it to American standards.

I am ashamed to say that, as Canadians, we have elected the most homophobic, pro-Bush, republican-style conservative that has ever weaseled his way into Canadian politics. If this was the price we had to pay for punishing Liberals, then I say the price was too high. My only comfort is that Harper's government is going to be even more crippled than the previous Liberal minority government.

Martin led his government with unwavering principles. He continually put his reputation on the line, battled countless character assassinations, set up investigations, put in checks, and established impartial committees with complete disregard for the potential political consequences. Even in defeat, he lives by those principles, stepping down for what he believes will be for the greater good of his party. I cannot help but respect a man who lives his life with uncompromising values.

I would argue that we have not seen a leader of this caliber since the days of Trudeau. He had built is reputation on accomplishments and achievements. Paul Martin had done more to set Canada on the right path than any other leader in the last twenty years. He has earned the right to lead. Sadly, he was brought down by power-hungry conservatives who care more about gaining power than earning it.

I hope, for Canada’s sakes, we have not seen the last of Paul Martin.

Come back soon, Paul.