Huawei: The New Business As Usual

Mr. Boisvert said damage from economic espionage is now on par with the threat posed by al-Qaeda. “It has become equal to the threat of terrorism. Why? It has such long-term repercussions. The future prosperity of Canadians.”

 

Interesting, this.  Espionage is being compared to terrorism in terms of a threat to the future prosperity of Canadians.  I would think that Stephen Harper would commend Huawei for their initiative.  After all, aren't we looking for more firms to pick up some economic slack?  Better yet, Huawei (and China behind it) are being competitive.  They are pushing the envelope of what's acceptable, doing what it takes to get ahead of the competition - much like Harper's Conservatives.

 

The Conservatives must look to China with envy.  While they're stuck with small-time shenanigans like the Cotler calls run through penny-anny operators like Campaign Research, Inc. China is playing with massive telecoms firms and landing huge domestic wins from industrial espionage.  They're way ahead of Harper when it comes to building influence in Africa.    While Harper's stuck putting special interest groups he doesn't like on watch lists, China gets to be really tough on their internal foes.

 

China is playing exactly the same game the Harper Conservatives want to play, only they aren't encumbered by periodic elections, Budgetary Watchdogs or pesky reporters.  This gives them the luxury to be more ruthless, plan further ahead and do whatever it takes strategically to win.  China therefore also provides us with a window into what Canada might look like down the road if submitted to perpetual Conservative governments.  

 

If this is the game we truly want to play, it would be wise for everyone - especially our government - to consider the risks that come with it.

If Justin Trudeau is The White Knight - Does That Make Harper The Dark Knight?

 

"Part of this search stems from the romantic yearning for a white knight, a charismatic leader who can build on a passion for Canada to exert the tough love needed to woo and keep Quebeckers."

 

In the Chris Nolan Batman movies, the White Knight was Harvey Dent - all charm, promise and vision ultimately done in by The Joker (I'm trying to picture Mulcair in that role - just not happening).  It was The Dark Knight that bore the weight of the dirty work, keeping internal and external bad guys at bay.  This kinda fits with the brand Harper has tried to paint for himself.

 

What kind of Batman would Harper make?

 

Picture our Prime Minister, working alone in his office when the CP-signal lights up the sky.  He stands, slowly removing his glasses.  "It's time.  Poilievre, warm up the f35!"  Harper takes the fireman's pole hidden in Langevin Block down to the CPC war room, and makes for the locker holding his cape and cowl. 

Loyal servant Poilevre briefs the Bat-Minister as he Walks-and-Stalks to the plane - Pauline Marois is holding another event sans the Maple Leaf!  "I'll look into it," says the Caped Legislator, as he throttles the ignition and blasts out of the hidden entrance overlooking the Rideau.  "Baird can go over the GG's head", he says to himself - "but I fly under it."

 

The Harper-plane swoops into Quebec, zeroing in on the rally.  People need dramatic examples to shake them out of socialist/separatist ways, Harper thinks to himself.  I can't do that as Prime Minister, but as an angry man in a cape... his Huawei-made tracking system shakes him out of his reverie as the convention centre looms ever closer.  Harper puts his f35 in hover mode (that's what's really been redacted) and readies his grappling gun. 

 

Marois steps out of the rally surrounded by a protective swarm of supporters.  It's no use.  Harper's precision shot tags the Quebec Premier in the leg, hooking her pants.  Before she can even scream, Marois is hoisted into the air where the Bat-Minister waits.  He wastes no time on pleasantries.

 

"Where is the Maple Leaf?" he growls at the terrified, upside-down Premier.

 

"I'm sorry!" she cries in desperation, blood rushing to her head. "I'll bring it next time!  I swear, to Canada!"

 

"Swear to me!" comes the guttural reply. 

 

With no time for questions, the conversation is over; Marois drops swiftly to the ground as the Harperplane disappears into the darkness.  Somewhere out there, Harper muses, Justin Trudeau is planning the destruction of his Canada.  There is still work to be done.