LILLEY: Canada is an angry country and we all need to take a breather

Article content material

We’re an indignant nation proper now, a really indignant nation.

Article content material

A video circulating on-line of a really giant man performing aggressive and threatening in direction of Deputy Prime Minister Chrystia Freeland is just the most recent instance.

Article content material

This isn’t although, as some are claiming, one thing that comes solely from one facet of the political spectrum. Our politics have turn into more and more polarized and divisive with all sides seemingly taking the view that for those who aren’t 100% onside, you’re an enemy.

On Friday, Freeland was in Grande Prairie, Alta., the place she met with native farmers to debate agricultural points and later met with folks concerned with the expert trades at Northwestern Polytechnic. As she was headed into her final assembly of the day with Grande Prairie Mayor Jackie Clayton, Freeland was accosted within the Metropolis Corridor foyer.

“Chrystia!” the person yelled out. “What the f— are you doing in Alberta? You f—— traitor, you f—— bitch!”

WARNING: EXPLICIT LANGUAGE

Article content material

The person, who was a lot larger than the petite Freeland – taller, heavier, extra muscular – made a beeline for the deputy PM wanting like he was in a match and able to act. He known as her extra names that may’t be printed earlier than going outdoors to proceed on video squealing about how he confirmed her.

All he confirmed is that he’s, regardless of his measurement, a really small man.

He stated that he’s preventing for Canada however no matter trigger he’s related to is now diminished. This isn’t the way you win political arguments, no matter his argument is, it merely turns off the overwhelming majority of good, regular Canadians – even a lot of those that could agree with this “man” on sure points.

The response from political Ottawa to this video was fast condemnation, accurately. Regardless of Freeland’s many flaws and misguided insurance policies, this isn’t how we settle disputes in Canada.

Article content material

The secondary response although is to behave as if this drawback of anger, outrage and threats solely comes from one facet of the political fray. That the divisive political rhetoric of the proper is driving this.

That’s merely not true and by no means has been.

Anger is current throughout the board

Stephen Harper was the topic of many vicious threats, even a terrorist plot with plans to behead him. He was often in comparison with Adolf Hitler full with photographs of him with Hitler’s moustache or in a Nazi uniform at protests that usually turned violent.

Was that not indignant and divisive?

Final summer time, Ontario Premier Doug Ford had a person present up at his house with a big butcher knife making threats. Ford has been accused of “social homicide” over his insurance policies within the pages of the Toronto Star, which has additionally revealed cartoons depicting him as a dictator.

Article content material

When Lisa MacLeod was the minister in control of household and social coverage she was excoriated by her opponents – each the elected and activist sort – in essentially the most vile phrases. Greater than as soon as, MacLeod required across the clock police safety due to the threats made towards her life and her household.

RECOMMENDED VIDEO

The explanation for elevating this isn’t whataboutism, it’s to say that this can be a widespread drawback that must be addressed. In all of those situations, from Freeland to Harper, Ford to MacLeod, the response of many when I’ve denounced these actions on-line is that they deserve what they get.

That’s sick, it’s vile, it’s improper, nevertheless it’s not only one facet.

Reacting to the outrageous incident with Freeland by resorting to additional divisive actions and claims that all of it comes from Conservatives who now should be punished gained’t accomplish something. Accusing a few of your fellow Canadians of being the only supply of this anger will solely stoke extra anger.

Possibly it’s time for everybody to take a step again, stroll away from the keyboards and gadgets and soak up some recent summer time air whereas we nonetheless can.

Canada wants a breather, now could be the time.

blilley@postmedia.com