QMI: Harper's veering from a truly conservative course, says former speechwriter

[tuvor]

by Michael Taube, a former speechwriter for PM Stephen Harper

...

So much for Harper's reputation as a free market champion. Now he's defending the government's role in economic stability and job creation. I guess he forgot about Ronald Reagan's famous statement: "Government is not a solution to our problem, government is the problem."

The Harper I knew supported the economic theory and history models of small government, private enterprise supporters such as Milton Friedman and Friedrich Hayek. Apparently, he's now switched over to Paul Krugman.

Look, obviously Harper is free to reject data that discredits his government's position, so his battle with the Fraser Institute isn't shocking.

But to take distinctly un-conservative positions after his stimulus spending's net benefit was shown to be insignificant by an important Canadian conservative think-tank isn't a wise strategy.

...

http://www.owensoundsuntimes.com/ArticleDisplay.aspx?e=2517250

[Lucy Goosey]

1. The thing about that Reagan quote is that it's wrong.

Also, Reagan increased the size of the federal government and increased government spending by 53%. And, come on, that crap about the New Deal not working? Is the author getting his talking points directly from Fox News or something?

I can't say I'm unhappy that the PM is fighting with the Fraser Institute, but let's face it - Harper has been veering right lately, not left.

Maybe this will instigate some sort of split in the Conservative ranks, and fewer small "c" conservative Reagan-fan types will come out to vote for the Cons. I know it's unlikely, but a girl can hope, eh?

[daleo]

2. "No true Scotsman" coming up

Another right-winger of my aquaintance today claimed the Harper government (nor the Alberta government) are truly Conservative.