Posted on 10/02/2008 4:29:08 PM PDT by wagglebee
TORONTO, October 2, 2008 (LifeSiteNews.com) - Prime Minister Stephen Harper's disturbing statements to the media that he will undemocratically not permit anyone to reopen the debate on abortion are a stark betrayal of conservative principles and should prompt his electoral defeat in Calgary Southwest in the coming federal election, says the editor of Canada's national Catholic magazine of news, analysis and opinion. In addition, Father Alphonse de Valk, editor of Catholic Insight magazine, is calling for the removal of Harper as Conservative party leader.
"For Mr. Harper to state that he would not personally support a law limiting abortion is one thing," said de Valk. "But to go so far as to strong arm his own MPs from supporting the right to life and even, as his spokesperson suggested, whip his cabinet on the matter, is unconscionable."
De Valk noted Harper's latest declarations follow a bevy of other statements and actions during his prime ministerial tenure that have betrayed conservative and democratic principles. Earlier, Harper undermined Bill C-484, the Unborn Victims of Crime Act, which polls demonstrated is supported by a majority of Canadians. He also squandered the parliamentary vote on so-called same-sex marriage, has failed to rein in human rights commissions run amok and has not taken steps to overturn the naming of Henry Morgentaler to the Order of Canada, he said.
It is a falsity to suggest most Canadians support the current state of affairs wherein abortions can be committed right up to the moment of birth, said de Valk, adding that polls show most Canadians want restrictions on it. This is demonstrated, for example, by a 2006 Environics Research Group survey that revealed 64 per cent of Canadians support laws to protect human life before birth.
"Mr. Harper's position should reflect the views of Canadians," said de Valk. "That he will not act conservatively and democratically on a crucial life and death matter disqualifies him from serving as leader of a conservative party. We also encourage the voters of Calgary Southwest to defeat him in the election."
It is an insult to democracy.
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Don’t get caught up on the tactics; the fact is he is an opponent of life and that itself needs to be addressed.
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and the liberals are better?
Of course not, but a REAL conservative Prime Minister would be better.
Excellent point.
but this is canada
There ARE real conservatives in Canada.
I know.
I am one.
But not voting for Harper won’t solve anything.
I assume that the Canadian parliament works essentially the same as Great Britain's. Are most of the other Conservative MPs pro-life? If so, could pressure be brought to either remove Harper or force Harper to allow debate?
There will be no pressure to remove him. He is the best thing to happen to Canada, and the Conservative party in a long time.
Could we force Harper to allow a debate on it?
Yes, if he gets a majority.
Then that should happen, to deny debate is an affront to democracy.
I fail to see the logic in defeating someone who will just leave abortion as it is and allow people who still want to legalize pot, raise taxes, and who knows what else.
You’ve got to evaluate the whole package, relative to the alternatives. Harper isn’t perfect but he is way ahead of the others.
And over such an important subject.
But if we move too fast, we will lose any chance at all. I don't want to lose that chance, and Stephen Harper is the best hope we have.
Now, if Sarah Palin wanted to run here, I would drop Steve in a 'mothers second'. :-)
Hi Grig.
Are you working the election this time?
My question is whether there are other Conservatives who would be preferable to Harper.
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