Poilievre: Trump North and the downfall of respect, and the crises of division in politics.

In recent years, the political landscape has taken a sharp turn towards division and confrontation. Pierre Poilievre, often labeled "Trump North" by both supporters and detractors, stands at the center of this transformation. This nickname reflects not only his approach to politics but also a troubling trend: the decline of respect and civility in political discourse through divisional rhetoric.

Who is Pierre Poilievre?

As leader of the Conservative Party of Canada, Pierre Poilievre has come up through the ranks of Conservatism over the years, being affiliated first, with the Reform and Alliance parties which were known to have a rightwing, religious agenda. A whole arm of the Conservative Party of Canada now holds these extreme religious views, after the merger of their parties in 2003.

He is a strong adversary in parliament, with a bullyish flair, often using personal jabs and catchphrases aimed at a 24/7 campaign. His use of speech in sound bytes is targeted at social media users, where, in Canada at least, news stories can't be shared. All that is heard are the sound bytes with no substance, no policy and no story. I'm not sure about you, but I enjoy the depth of a political story. I like to discern for myself, when policy is discussed and is not lost in a catchphrase or slogan. His campaign is always a negative one; Canada is broken, Things are awful. Trudeau has wrecked everything. It 's tiring to be honest. and the toxicity has gotten old.

If we set these things aside, and look at things with a merit based viewpoint, Poilievre has not passed any legislation in his 22 years of being a politician. How does that even happen? The only thing he seems to be for, is being against the government in power. He has not affected good change in all his years as a career politician because he does not know how to cooperate but only to butt up against; a very similar trait to the current American president. One needs to be civil in a civil society. Politicians need to work together to effectively do their jobs, in and over party lines and Poilievre has demonstrated clearly, that he doesn't want to or can't do that. Maybe he doesn't know how. Should a man that knows no respect, or even civility wield the power that comes from our highest office? I think not.

The "Trump North" Label

Poilievre earned this nickname because of his aggressive, bullyish tactics that have earned him support from the younger electorate, the same demographic that is more likely to support Trump in the south. He lumps himself in with the fringe, adopting an us vs them attitude that appeals to these voters. And because of this group's age, they are not privy to our history unless they seek it out. Conservatives have never been for the little guy in this country. They've never governed for the working class, but have always pandered to corporate North America, and now, they want your vote claiming that they care about you, the little guy and that the country is broken and everything is terrible. It's Trump style politics, and some fear with that, that there could be Trump style policies too. The possible defunding of our public broadcaster, the CBC as many conservative MP's have stated they would do, is top of mind as Trump tries to dismantle the American media in an effort to curb left leaning viewpoints. It's a play right out of American politics. Pollievre earned this nickname by spewing this toxicity into our parliament and infecting our minds with it.

Respect and Civility in Politics

The House of Commons has always been a pillar of decorum and respect. Old adversaries also being friends at the end of the day because they always imbued a sense of civility and shared in the fact that they too, were in service to Canadians. It seems though, that gone are the days of this decorum. While Poilievre slings personal attacks and childish chiding, the Liberals, despite their current predicament of having an outgoing leader, are trying to navigate the waters of the new U.S administration. I find that honorable. They are doing the important work they were elected to do despite their party troubles.

The Risks of Divisive Rhetoric

Divisive rhetoric refers to language that creates division among individuals or groups, often amplifying tensions and fostering conflict. The implications of such rhetoric can be profound and far-reaching.

It can lead to heightened polarization within society, where individuals become entrenched in their viewpoints and less willing to engage in constructive dialogue. When leaders or influential figures use divisive language, it can erode trust in institutions and among community members, leading to skepticism and disengagement, but maybe that's the point of it. Such rhetoric can escalate conflicts, making it more difficult to find common ground or resolve disputes peacefully. We see this now, in our relations with the \U.S.

It can also create social fragmentation, where groups become isolated from one another, reducing opportunities for collaboration and mutual understanding.

Exposure to divisive rhetoric can negatively impact mental health, leading to increased anxiety, stress, and feelings of alienation among individuals. We need more of what is good for our society and not more stress or anxiety.

In extreme cases, divisive rhetoric can incite violence and aggression, as individuals may feel justified in acting out against perceived enemies. We saw this when Trump lost his bid for a second term at the capitol building.

Divisive rhetoric can hinder progress on important social issues, as it creates barriers to cooperation and consensus-building necessary for effective solutions. With Pollievre never having passed any legislation in his 22 years as a politician, it shows that his divisive tactics undermine an effective government.

It is essential for leaders and individuals to foster inclusive dialogue and promote understanding to mitigate these risks.

This all being said, do we really want a leader who divides us at this pivotal time in our history? One who makes us think that everything here is broken and awful? That stuff comes straight out of Trump's playbook and he isn't the most popular guy here in Canada right now. Why would we choose to emulate anything he does including his political tactics? We see very clearly, the political climate in the states right now. Do we really want that in our own country? I certainly do not. I get a charge from unity. It's refreshing. The divisiveness and lack of respect and civility in Canadian politics has gotten old fast in my eyes. I will be casting my ballot for someone who brings us together, works well with others and knows how to cooperate, Someone who views us as the best country in the world instead of tearing us down and apart all the time. Someone other than a bully; after all, bullies are weak. Canada deserves someone strong who unifies us. We need this in the face of the next four years with our southern neighbours, not more of Trump's echo.