Steph, can you explain why this province needs strong leaders? I’ve heard many media pundits say something similar, but I’ve never seen this justified. Strong leaders to manipulate everyone else into doing something really violent and harsh? Is that what this means? Or do the banks prefer dictators to real democracy?
Pretty sure a strong leader in this case refers to a leader with the courage of their convictions, and not one who changes their policy positions to suit the interests of their biggest donors
GND has “it” but he may not be too sure yet how to focus it or what to do about the consequences yet. Also he was constantly railroaded into posing as a leader, rather than as one of several spokespeople of a large, unruly organization.
It’s possible he’s decided this brush with public life has been enough for a lifetime, but that would surprise me. GND radiates a sort of quiet steely determination that was more like Pierre Trudeau than anyone else I can think of in our time – the rare politician who is able to consult his inner judgment for guidance on the fly. I would be surprised if in five years’ time some journo stagiaire is given the job of “finding out whatever happened to Gabriel Nadeau-Dubois” as a slow-season filler.
@ Marc R: “Pretty sure a strong leader in this case refers to a leader with the courage of their convictions”
Yes, Stalin and Mussolini had this in spades. Rene Levesque, not so much. He depended on the advice of all the people around him. Dictators have strong convictions. I’m not sure if the world can handle any more of these.
Steph 00:12 on 2012/08/09 Permalink
I’ve been very impressed by him as a motivational spokesperson. Hopefully we’ll see more from him in the future, this province can use strong leaders.
paul 07:58 on 2012/08/09 Permalink
GND!! Coming soon to a union near you…
qatzelok 08:41 on 2012/08/09 Permalink
Steph, can you explain why this province needs strong leaders? I’ve heard many media pundits say something similar, but I’ve never seen this justified. Strong leaders to manipulate everyone else into doing something really violent and harsh? Is that what this means? Or do the banks prefer dictators to real democracy?
Marc R 12:22 on 2012/08/09 Permalink
Pretty sure a strong leader in this case refers to a leader with the courage of their convictions, and not one who changes their policy positions to suit the interests of their biggest donors
Bill Binns 12:25 on 2012/08/09 Permalink
@ Marc R – Ha! I think that type of politician is just a legend. Like unicorns or sasquatch.
Kate 13:11 on 2012/08/09 Permalink
GND has “it” but he may not be too sure yet how to focus it or what to do about the consequences yet. Also he was constantly railroaded into posing as a leader, rather than as one of several spokespeople of a large, unruly organization.
It’s possible he’s decided this brush with public life has been enough for a lifetime, but that would surprise me. GND radiates a sort of quiet steely determination that was more like Pierre Trudeau than anyone else I can think of in our time – the rare politician who is able to consult his inner judgment for guidance on the fly. I would be surprised if in five years’ time some journo stagiaire is given the job of “finding out whatever happened to Gabriel Nadeau-Dubois” as a slow-season filler.
qatzelok 16:21 on 2012/08/09 Permalink
@ Marc R: “Pretty sure a strong leader in this case refers to a leader with the courage of their convictions”
Yes, Stalin and Mussolini had this in spades. Rene Levesque, not so much. He depended on the advice of all the people around him. Dictators have strong convictions. I’m not sure if the world can handle any more of these.