Crossing Rubicons. Where is the plan and the Army?
TORONTO – Yesterday, Parliament Hill did its best to replicate a famous step in the political evolution of Greco-Roman civilization. Two former allies in the first power-sharing Triumvirate (Caesar, Crassus and Pompey) of the Roman Republic of the first century B.C.E., had “had enough”.
Julius Caesar, yes that one, determined to step over all “red lines” as he re-entered Italy after a five-year conquest of ancient Gaul (modern France) to claim his “rightful place” in the Roman Republic. Without trying to simplify a centuries-old socio-political situation, he was accompanied by a fiercely loyal, experienced and battle-hardened army. Relatively speaking, “it was game over” for the old political paradigm, the moment he crossed the Rubicon; a question of time…and blood to be spilled. Pompey and the Establishment were done.
The dramatic rupture of the Justin Trudeau – Chrystia Freeland combine that had governed over Canada, and the federal Liberal Party from whence it draws its political support and resources, has left the political landscape in a mess. In part because all “the experts” were taken by complete surprise – both on the substance and the style. The big broadcasters (CBC, CTV) with their infinite resources descended on the affairs of House of Commons and the Liberal Caucus like the proverbial wet blanket. Everyone dedicated themselves to ferreting out “who did what to whom”. The significance was all about the salacious details and the speculation. Opposition MPs and Leadership fed into the narrative.
The narrative? “It’s over! Resign! The question is who and when?
Heck, even Donald Trump, President of the USA in-waiting jumped into the act. He purportedly does not like Minister Freeland [although his team shows little overt respect for Trudeau]. Back to [some] facts. If either of the two former allies “have an army”, it is not immediately evident. Nor will it be until, and if, the Party declares the Leadership vacant and convenes a convention to fill the vacuum.
One thing that is certain is that the Liberal caucus is split – those who want Trudeau out have started to openly call for his departure are increasing in number, and brazenly and angrily so.
It may be a small favour for those who do not like open strife, but at least with the House of Commons now in recess until the end of January there is no danger of a defeat in the house which would prompt an election post haste. That should provide everyone with a reprieve for the next six weeks.
