[conservatism_IS_compassion]

And here’s another irony: though he comes to power preaching the virtues of a looser federation, with a less intrusive federal government, Mr. Harper may succeed where others failed in building a stronger sense of national unity.

The looser the federation, the less agreement you demand. The less agreement you demand, the more you unify over the essentials.

What's ironic about that?

[Don W]

The looser the federation, the less agreement you demand. The less agreement you demand, the more you unify over the essentials.

Were you the progenitor of these wise words?

If so, I congratulate you on a truly profound and succinct idiom.

If you quoted same, I am curious as to the origin. Sun Tzu perhaps?